Polk County Emergency Management Agency

05/06/2026

Polk County Severe Weather Alert:
Tornado Watch issued May 6 at 6:47PM EDT until May 7 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 188 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT THURSDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN GEORGIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 61 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL GEORGIA
BUTTS

IN EAST CENTRAL GEORGIA
GREENE WILKES

IN NORTH CENTRAL GEORGIA
BARROW CHEROKEE CLAYTON
COBB DAWSON DEKALB
DOUGLAS FANNIN FAYETTE
FORSYTH FULTON GILMER
GWINNETT HALL HENRY
LUMPKIN MORGAN NEWTON
PICKENS ROCKDALE UNION
WALTON

IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA
BANKS CLARKE JACKSON
MADISON OCONEE OGLETHORPE
TOWNS WHITE

IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA
BARTOW CARROLL CHATTOOGA
FLOYD GORDON HARALSON
MURRAY PAULDING POLK
WHITFIELD

IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA
CHATTAHOOCHEE COWETA HARRIS
HEARD LAMAR MARION
MERIWETHER MUSCOGEE PIKE
SCHLEY SPALDING STEWART
SUMTER TALBOT TAYLOR
TROUP UPSON WEBSTER

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AMERICUS, ATLANTA, BARNESVILLE,
BLAIRSVILLE, BLUE RIDGE, BREMEN, BUENA VISTA, BUTLER, CALHOUN, CARROLLTON, CARTERSVILLE, CEDARTOWN, CHATSWORTH, CLEVELAND, COHUTTA WILDERNESS, COLUMBUS, COLWELL, COMER, COMMERCE, CONYERS, COVINGTON, CRAWFORD, CU***NG, DAHLONEGA, DALLAS, DALTON, DAWSONVILLE, DECATUR, DIAL, DOUGLASVILLE, ELLAVILLE, ELLIJAY, EPWORTH, FORT BENNING, FRANKLIN, GAINESVILLE, GREENSBORO, GRIFFIN, H**P, HIAWASSEE, HIGDON, HOMER, JACKSON, JASPER, LAWRENCEVILLE, MADISON, MANCHESTER, MARIETTA, MONROE, NEWNAN, PEACHTREE CITY, PINE MOUNTAIN, PRESTON, RICHLAND, RIVERDALE, ROME, STOCKBRIDGE, SUMMERVILLE, TALBOTTON, THOMASTON, WASHINGTON, WATKINSVILLE, WEST POINT, WINDER, WINTERVILLE, WOODSTOCK,
AND ZEBULON.
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05/06/2026

May 6 2026 The National Weather Service has issued a tornado WATCH for Polk County until 2AM.

05/06/2026

May 6, 2026 - From the National Weather Service "A Flood Watch is in effect for much of north Georgia 4 PM Weds - 8 AM Thurs. Widespread 1-2" rainfall totals are expected, but locally higher totals 3-5+" are possible where thunderstorms repeatedly train across the same location. Despite the ongoing drought, heavy rainfall of that caliber over a short period of time would lead to flash flooding concerns.
The potential for severe thunderstorms capable of both damaging winds and a few tornadoes will increase beginning Wednesday afternoon and persisting into Wednesday night. A Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather encompasses much of north Georgia during this time. The risk for a strong tornado cannot be ruled out. Sign up for FREE weather alerts now by texting ENROLLPOLK to 77295 or by visiting https://polkga.org/public_safety/ema/polk_alerts.php to sign up via tablet or computer

04/27/2026

April 27, 2026 - From the National Weather Service - "Several rounds of thunderstorms will be possible across multiple days this week as storms push into the area from the northwest. A few of these storms may be severe, though higher than normal uncertainty exists around the overall coverage and strength of severe weather on any given day. The primary timeframes we are monitoring are early Tuesday morning, early Wednesday morning, and Wednesday evening. North Georgia, and especially Northwest Georgia, will have the greatest chances of seeing storms at these times, with uncertainty increasing with southward extent. Possible impacts are up to 60mph winds, hail up to one inch, and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out". Sign up for FREE weather alerts now by texting ENROLLPOLK to 77295 or by visiting https://polkga.org/public_safety/ema/polk_alerts.php to sign up via tablet or computer

04/23/2026

COUNTYWIDE BURN BAN EFFECTIVE APRIL 24TH IN POLK COUNTY.

COUNTYWIDE BURN BAN EFFECTIVE APRIL 24TH 🔥🚫

Due to the ongoing dry weather conditions and heightened risk of wildfires spreading across South Georgia counties, Polk County has issued a countywide burn ban in accordance with the State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp.

Effective April 24th, 2026, the burn ban will remain in place through September 30th, coinciding with the conclusion of the annual summer burn ban period. All outdoor burning is prohibited during this time to help safeguard public safety, protect property, and preserve natural resources. We urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any signs of fire promptly to local emergency services.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep Polk County safe.

03/27/2026

Polk County Fire Alert:

Fire Officials from Cedartown, Rockmart, Polk County and Georgia Forestry have enacted a countywide burn ban for tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, 2026, due to expected low humidity and high winds that will significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Georgia Forestry will not be issuing any burn permits for tomorrow. All outdoor burning is strictly prohibited, with no exceptions. All fires currently burning today must be fully extinguished by sunset today. Violators will face a $250 dollar fine for ordinance violations related to illegal burning.

03/20/2026

Join us in congratulating Polk County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, Landon Hendrix, on being named Polk County's Employee of the Month! 🎉

Landon's dedication to our community is evident in everything he does. Landon was responsible for spearheading efforts to implement and oversee EMA's first-ever Internship Program, helping shape the next generation of emergency management professionals. In addition, he serves as the Program Manager for our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), empowering residents with the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for and respond to potential hazards in the community.

His commitment to public safety and preparedness has made a lasting impact across our county. We are grateful for his leadership, passion, and tireless efforts to keep our community safe.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 🏆

03/17/2026

🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for Polk County's 2nd Annual Citizens Academy! 🚨

Have you ever wondered how Polk County operates behind the scenes? Citizens Academy is your chance to get an inside look! During this interactive program, participants will learn directly from county staff about key departments and services while building relationships with county leaders and becoming civically engaged in the community that we all love to live, work, and play in.

📅 Program Schedule
Citizens Academy is a 5-week program with four learning sessions followed by a graduation ceremony.

2026 Cohort Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Lunch-and-Learn format)

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes look at county operations and become an ambassador for Polk County.

Spots are limited — register today! 👉https://polkcountyga.rja.revize.com/forms/13940

03/16/2026

March 16, 2026 - The tornado watch has been cancelled. Remember - temps will fall throughout the day and will land in the 20's overnight tonight and tomorrow night. We should start to warm back to the 70's later this week. This will be the last entry for this event. Stay weather aware Polk County!

03/16/2026

March 16, 2026 - The strongest storms have exited our area. Temps will begin to drop over the next few hours, and it is possible we could see some light snow or flurries later in the day although no accumulation expected, and no impacts forecasted for travel. Stay weather aware Polk County!