As Hurricane Irma hits the Florida Keys this morning, Decatur County residents should prepare for tropical storm force winds and up to six inches of rain starting tonight.

The National Weather service said these conditions were essentially certain for our region.

Winds around Bainbridge have already picked up as the outermost layers of Irma spread into North Florida and South Georgia. There is a 50 percent chance of hurricane force winds hitting South-Central Georgia, but those conditions won’t spread to Southwest Georgia as of this morning’s forecast.

The Southwest Georgia region will feel the effects of these tropical storm conditions Sunday evening, growing worse into the night and early through Monday morning.

Wind will remain the greatest threat across our region, according to the National Weather Service. Decatur County should expect extensive damage to trees and powerlines, and residents should prepare for widespread power outages lasting a week or more.

Only minor river flooding is expected around the Flint River. The main threat for tornadoes lies farther East, according to the National Weather Service.

No updates have been given on additional school closures. As of today, Decatur County Schools, Bainbridge State College and Grace Christian Academy are closed Monday.

Hurricane Irma is currently a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds up to 130 mph.