THOMASVILLE — Anytime Mother Nature is involved, she is in charge.

Such is the situation with Tropical Storm Eta, which was stalled in the Gulf of Mexico at noon Tuesday.

Uncertainty and change are the only sure things about the storm, said Chris Jones, Thomas County Emergency Management Agency director and Thomas County Fire/Rescue chief.

Jones, first responders, firefighters, emergency workers, law enforcement officers, school officials, public health and public works personnel gathered Monday afternoon to hear a weather advisory from the National Weather Service at Tallahassee, Florida.

“There is still a huge uncertainty where it will make landfall,” Jones said.

The storm is supposed to make a “huge” turn to the west, Jones said, adding that it “should” make the turn.

This area is not in the clear. Jones said it is hoped Eta will diminish or change course and move west with no impact on this area.

If it continues on the current track, Jones said effects here should be rain —maybe five inches — with wind speed at tropical storm force at the nearby Gulf coast.

Personnel who met Monday were told to put a plan in place for their families and to plan to work all weekend if the storm bears down on this area.

Jones said that if the brunt of Eta misses Southwest Georgia, workers here might be needed in places heavily-impacted by the storm.

He urges residents to be prepared in the event the storm changes course and impacts Thomas County.

Residents should be sure they have bottled water, non-perishable food and prescription medication on hand.

“Don’t wait until Friday afternoon to buy supplies for your storm kit,” the emergency management director said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820