VALDOSTA — The entire state of Georgia has been placed in a state of emergency by Gov. Nathan Deal ahead of Hurricane Florence.

“The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Florence,” Deal said Wednesday morning. “In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas. GEMA/HS continues to lead our preparedness efforts as we coordinate with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodate those evacuating from other states. Finally, I ask all Georgians to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.”

Florence, a Category 4 hurricane with 130 mile-per-hour winds, was expected to reach the coast of the Carolinas Thursday or Friday, but the most recent National Hurricane Center forecasts show the storm taking a sharp southward turn toward Georgia after landfall.