ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency in the state ahead of the expected landfall of Hurricane Isaias this weekend.

The National Hurricane Center forecast says Isaias strengthened to a Category 2 on Thursday afternoon, with maximum wind gusts near 100 mph.

Out of an abundance of caution, Gov. Kemp says the State of Emergency order is for the whole state of Georgia.

“As we always do with weather events, we’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” Gov. Kemp said. “I encourage all Georgians to take this storm seriously and prepare now by stocking up on food, batteries, flashlights, water, and other necessities in case of severe weather impacting communities Friday night through Saturday.”

Isaias is forecast to maintain Category 2 strength through Friday afternoon before making landfall along the Gulf Coast late Friday evening.

According to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, “a Tropical Storm Warning has already been issued for several counties in Southwest Georgia.”

GEMA officials say the state operation center is moving to a level 1 full activation 1 p.m. on Friday.

Gov. Kemp says Georgia has learned a lot from past hurricanes including Michael and Helene.

GEMA officials say a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for much of western Georgia, and a High Wind Watch has been issued for most of North Georgia. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph are expected between Friday night and Saturday night across both the Watch and Warning areas.

Isaias is forecast to make landfall along the Gulf Coast as a hurricane late Friday into early Saturday morning.

The center of Isaias is then forecast to move through west Alabama, potentially impacting the timing of play for the Georgia vs. Alabama football game, currently scheduled for 7:30 pm Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa.

“Downed trees and powerlines could cause prolonged power outages and debris issues, and travel could become difficult from gusty winds across much of Georgia on Friday night and Saturday,” GEMA officials added.

Georgia Power official Matthew Kent says they’re prepared.

“At this point, we’ve prepared as much as we can and its a wait and see game,” Kent said.

This is a developing story. Stay with WSB Radio News for updates.