Cherokee County Declares Local State Of Emergency Following Zeta

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston declared a local state of emergency Thursday in response to the aftermath of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Zeta.

The local state of emergency is in effect until Nov. 2, unless otherwise modified. A local state of
emergency ensures that proper precautions and remedies are enacted to ensure the safety and health of the citizens of Cherokee County.

The storm system moved through Cherokee County with wind gusts of 60-70 mph in the early morning hours Thursday morning, causing downed power lines and trees, property damage and road closures.

Despite continued efforts of local electricity providers, county and state roads crews, and public safety, many remained without power or unable to travel by Friday morning.

“Cherokee County public works, Sheriff’s Office and Fire personnel, Amicalola EMC, Georgia Power, Sawnee EMC and Cobb EMC, the storm system caused a significant amount of damage in a short time,” Johnston. “Declaring a local state of emergency provides an extra layer of protection for residents and property owners in the county.”

As of Friday morning, Cherokee Emergency Management Agency officials continued to assess storm damage across the county to report to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Cherokee County EMA Director Craig Millsap said his team and local county departments and public safety, along with local electricity providers, continue to work around the clock to restore power and clear roads and other unsafe conditions caused by Zeta.