Columbus, GA - Emergency Management & Homeland Security

06/23/2026

Table set up at Aflac for Safety Day.

06/22/2026

It looks like today's weather is going to be on the quieter side. It would be a great day to take a look at your Ready Kit. Below is a simple checklist, but don't forget what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors or family members with special needs. Add those items to your kit and start packing it today.

Recommended Items:
-Water. One gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days, for drinking and hygiene
-Food. At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
-Can opener. For food, if the kit contains canned food
-Radio. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
-Emergency charger for mobile devices
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-First aid kit
-Whistle. To signal for help
-Face mask. To help filter contaminated air, use plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
-Disinfectant wipes
-Hand sanitizer
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties. For personal hygiene
-Wrench or pliers. To turn off utilities
-Local maps

Additional Items:
-Prescription medications and glasses
-Infant formula and diapers
-Pet food, extra water, pet supplies, toys, and vaccination forms
-Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
-Cash or traveler’s checks and change
-Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
-Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider adding bedding in cold weather.
-Complete change of clothing. Include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider adding clothing in cold weather.
-Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper
-Fire extinguisher
-Matches in a waterproof container
-Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
-Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
-Paper and pencil
-Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

06/20/2026

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
521 PM EDT Sat Jun 20 2026

GAZ078-079-089>091-102-103-202145-
Chattahoochee GA-Harris GA-Stewart GA-Marion GA-Webster GA-Talbot GA-
Muscogee GA-
521 PM EDT Sat Jun 20 2026
..A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of western Marion,
Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Stewart, western Webster, southwestern
Talbot and southern Harris Counties through 545 PM EDT...

At 521 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was near Russell County Sports
Complex, or 12 miles southwest of Phenix City, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning and
heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include...
Columbus, Lumpkin, Cusseta, Richland, Waverly Hall, North Fort
Benning, Fort Benning/Lawson Army Air Fld, Bibb City, Upatoi,
Seminole, Green Island Hills, Cataula, Columbus Metropolitan Airport,
Troutman, Sanford, Jamestown/South Fort Benning, Benning Hills,
Benning Park, Fortson, and Mulberry Grove.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

We had a report from radar of rotation of a tornado in the Upatoi area. If you have damage, please report here.

06/18/2026

Columbus is under a tornado WATCH until 11:00 pm.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Georgia until 11 p.m. Please continue to monitor forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets throughout the week.

For prep tips, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/tornadoes.

06/18/2026

Update heading into the weekend. Be sure to download our app to stay informed. https://columbusga.gov/homeland/

06/17/2026

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT
Flood Watch issued June 17 at 2:53PM EDT until June 20 at 2:00AM EDT by the National Weather Service.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

06/17/2026

**OUTDATED - See latest post for updates**

A tropical disturbance has a 60% of forming into a tropical system in the next few days off the coast of Texas. While it is too early to determine wind or severe impacts from the system, heavy rainfall due to tropical moisture is expected across north and central Georgia by the end of the week.

06/15/2026

A series of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms struck multiple Midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Michigan, over the past few days. Ensure that when a storm is approaching, you take shelter.