Isaias has passed. Read the aftermath update.
See what the storm left behind in Georgia and what to do now: After Isaias: Georgia Storm Damage Update and What to Do Now. Questions about your claim? Call Amanda at 678-496-6916.
What the forecast says
Governor Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties ahead of Isaias (WJCL). The state expects strong gusts, heavy rain, spin-off tornadoes, downed trees and power lines, and flooding (Office of the Governor).
Landfall is expected tonight or early Saturday near the Alabama and Florida border (FOX 5 Atlanta). A High Wind Warning covers metro Atlanta and much of North Georgia from midnight tonight through 8 a.m. Sunday, with east winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph (CBS News Atlanta).
A Flood Watch runs from late tonight through Sunday morning for Cobb County, metro Atlanta, and much of North and Central Georgia, with 1 to 3 inches of rain and local totals up to 5 inches (Cobb County Courier). Brief tornadoes are possible east of the storm's center, which is where North Georgia sits, from Saturday morning into very early Sunday (WSB-TV).
Saturated ground plus Georgia's heavy tree canopy means uprooted trees and power outages are a real concern (FOX 5 Atlanta). Rain may linger Sunday, with North and Central Georgia expected to dry out by Sunday night (Patch).
159
Georgia counties under a state of emergency
50 mph
Gusts possible across metro Atlanta and North Georgia
1 to 5 in
Rain expected, heaviest in repeated bands
Sat to Sun
Main impact window, through about 8 a.m. Sunday
Tonight, before it hits
- Walk your property with your phone. Video every side of the house, the roof from the ground, fences, sheds, and every room inside. Before photos make after claims much easier.
- Find your declarations page. Save a copy of your policy to your phone in case the power goes out.
- Check your deductible. Some policies carry a separate hurricane, named storm, or wind and hail deductible, sometimes a percentage of your dwelling limit instead of a flat dollar amount. Know the number before you file.
- Clear gutters and drains and move valuables off basement and ground floors.
- Charge phones and power banks. Stay away from downed lines once the wind picks up.
What your policy usually covers from a storm like this
01 A tree on the house
Wind is a covered peril on most Georgia homeowners policies. When a tree hits the house, the damage to the roof, walls, and contents is normally covered, and so is a reasonable part of removing the tree from the structure.
Watch for: tree removal limits, and trees that fall in the yard without hitting anything. Those are often paid at a small amount or not at all.
Photograph the tree before it's cut02 Rain that came in through storm damage
When wind tears off shingles or breaks a window and rain gets in, the water damage inside is usually covered because the wind created the opening.
Watch for: carriers blaming an old leak, wear and tear, or "seepage." Photos of the fresh opening are what win this one. More on this in our wind-driven rain vs. flood guide.
Document the opening, then tarp it03 Rising water and backed-up drains
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood, meaning surface water rising from outside. That takes a separate flood policy, such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Watch for: water that backs up through a floor drain or sewer line. That is a different cause, and it may be covered if you have a water backup endorsement.
The cause of the water decides the claim04 Power outages and spoiled food
Long outages are likely with this storm. Some policies pay for spoiled food or surge damage to appliances, and some don't. It's worth a look at your policy before you throw anything out.
Photograph it before it goes in the trashAfter the storm: the first 72 hours
- Safety first. Stay off the roof, and stay clear of downed lines and trees resting on lines.
- Document before you clean up. Wide shots, then close-ups, of every damaged area inside and out.
- Stop further damage. Tarp the roof, board windows, and start drying wet areas. Your policy expects reasonable steps, and it usually pays for them. Keep every receipt.
- Don't toss damaged items until they're photographed and listed.
- Report the claim and write down your claim number and the name of everyone you talk to.
- Be careful with recorded statements. You don't have to guess at causes or dates. Stick to what you saw.
- Dry it fast. Wet drywall, insulation, and flooring can start growing mold within a couple of days. See mold after the storm.
Storm damage from Isaias? Get a free claim review.
Amanda works storm claims across metro Atlanta, Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Paulding, Fulton, and the I-75 and I-575 corridors. Call or send photos, and you'll know where you stand before you sign anything. No fee unless the carrier pays.
Frequently asked questions
Is hurricane damage covered if I live in Atlanta, not on the coast?
Usually, yes. Most Georgia homeowners policies cover wind damage no matter how far you are from the coast. What matters is the cause of the damage and the deductible on your declarations page. Some policies carry a separate hurricane or named storm deductible, so check yours.
A tree fell in my yard but missed the house. Is that covered?
Often only partly, or not at all. Policies usually pay to remove a tree that hits a covered structure or blocks a driveway, and they often cap that amount. A tree that lands in open yard is commonly excluded. Take photos either way.
Water came into my basement during the storm. Will insurance pay?
It depends on how the water got in. Rising surface water is flood, which standard homeowners policies exclude. Water that backed up through a drain may be covered with a water backup endorsement. Water that came through a storm-damaged roof or window is usually covered as wind damage.
When should I call a public adjuster?
Any time, but the earlier the better on a large loss. Amanda can help document the damage and read the policy before the carrier inspects, or review the carrier's estimate after. A licensed Georgia public adjuster works only for you.