The National Weather Service (NWS) has recognized Walker County as a StormReady County, acknowledging local efforts to reach a high level of severe weather preparedness.

In order to earn the StormReady designation, Walker County had to meet certain criteria established by the NWS, state and local emergency management officials.  An Emergency Operations Center, the ability to monitor local weather and river conditions, having multiple ways to alert the public, and trained storm spotters were among the standards required.

The StormReady label provides an expectation that warnings issued by the NWS will be communicated by local emergency management to the public, giving people a chance to respond.

One of the resources Walker County uses to alert the public about severe weather is the Hyper Reach Community Alert System.  Those who subscribe can choose to receive weather alerts by phone call, text message or email. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service by signing up at walkercountyga.gov/alert or by calling 706-638-1437 and ask to be added to the list.

Walker County plans to continue to grow its base of storm spotters.  The county will host a course on what to look for to provide the community with timely and accurate severe weather reports.  Volunteers interested in becoming storm spotters or who need additional training should mark May 1st on their calendar. Additional details, such as a location and time for the course, will be announced in later this month.