Update: Helene reached Category 1 hurricane status just before noon on Wednesday as the storm approached the shores of Florida’s Panhandle. That part of the state could see a Category 3 storm by Thursday.
A Flood Watch has been issued for all of North Georgia and surrounding areas through Friday afternoon, as the region could see a total of 8-15 inches (with the highest amounts expected in Rabun, Towns, White and Habersham counties). The Blue Ridge Mountains in particular could see extreme flash flooding.
In addition to “extreme flooding,” the National Weather service is warning of wind gusts of 40-50 mph (or above 60 mph in some areas) Thursday and Friday as Helene moves inland. The North Georgia region is expected to feel the peak of the storm early Friday morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Habersham County spokesperson Rob Moore said county officials have continued to plan for Hurricane Helene as it approaches. County officials throughout the region have urged residents to shelter in place as the storm moves in Thursday evening.
Moore said that “any shelters opened in the county generally are managed by a third party, such as the American Red Cross or similar agency.”
The American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia doesn’t have shelters in place yet, according to Executive Director Patti Duckworth, though that could change as the storm progresses.
Duckworth encourages the public to download the American Red Cross emergency app for real-time weather alerts, shelter locations and live updates on resources available in the area.
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Severe weather is expected to hit Georgia Thursday and continue into Friday as the southeastern U.S. braces for Helene. This fast-moving tropical storm is set to intensify and make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the next 48 hours as a Category 3 hurricane.
On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all 159 counties, authorizing Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to assemble response teams and resources throughout the state.
MORE Helene expected to bring significant impacts to North Georgia
What to expect in North Georgia
In North Georgia, Helene is forecast to bring heavy rain throughout the day on Thursday and hurricane-force winds through the early morning hours and into Friday afternoon.
GEMA officials expect wind speeds between 30 and 40 mph, with the possibility of isolated stronger gusts. They also expect 4 to 8 inches of rain (with higher totals of 8 to 12 inches possible in the North Georgia mountains) and widespread power outages from downed trees and power lines throughout every region of the state.
Heavy rains could start as soon as Wednesday afternoon in some areas.
As Helene approaches, state officials urge Georgians to avoid travel and shelter in secure locations—basements and other enclosed areas—during the storm.
Regional response
North Georgia counties continue to monitor the storm in preparation for its potential impact. On Tuesday, White County Emergency Management (WCEMA) “partially activated” its Emergency Operations Center.
“We are closely monitoring the potential for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds as Tropical Storm Helene approaches,” WCEMA Division Chief Don Strength said. “These conditions could lead to localized flooding and downed trees, which may cause road closures and power outages.”
To the southwest, Hall County aims to ready all emergency management department staff as Helene moves into the region.
“The current track of the potential storm takes the center to our west, which puts Hall County in an area of the storm that is ripe for spin-up tornadoes that will have little or no warning if they occur,” Emergency Management Director Zachary Brackett said Tuesday. “Citizens should have a safe location in the lowest level of their home that is centralized and away from windows in the event that these occur.”
Road hazards are widely expected. In preparation, Habersham County placed its Road Department employees on call through Sunday, Sept. 29.
“Crew leaders are taking vehicles home with chainsaws and barricades,” said Habersham County Public Works Director Jerry Baggett. “All heavy equipment needed for debris removal has been serviced and is ready as needed.”
Baggett is asking the public to limit travel as much as possible during the storm. He reminds drivers not to cross flooded roadways, while county EMS director Jeff Adams reminds the public not to approach downed trees since they could be covering up downed utility lines.
“We appreciate the citizens of Habersham County and urge you to please think ‘safety first’ when traveling for the next few days,” Baggett said.
‘Prepare now,’ officials urge
“We’re urging residents to prepare now, (to) have an emergency kit, plan for sheltering in place and stay informed through our updates as the situation develops,” encouraged Strength.
Habersham County E-911/Emergency Management Agency Director Lynn Smith echoed that sentiment.
“Please don’t wait to make sure you have what you need in your home in case you are unable to leave for a few days,” she said. “If you can go to the store today to stock up on water, batteries, food, diapers, and any other items you might need, that would be preferable.”
If the storm arrives as predicted, Smith cautions there will be areas first responders may not be able to reach immediately. Those on home oxygen should have spare tanks ready to use if the power is out for several days. Prescriptions should also be filled and accessible.
Flood risk
Another potential threat tied to TS Helene is flooding. Officials with Banks and Jackson counties urge you to plan ahead.
“Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding,” a statement from Banks County’s EMS/Fire Chief Steve Nichols said. “Evacuate immediately if you are told to do so. If you cannot evacuate, take refuge in a designated storm shelter or interior room for high winds.”
In case of flooding, Nichols advised, “Go to the highest level of the building” if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic.
“You may become trapped by rising flood water. Have a plan (and) consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment,” he said.
Like neighboring counties, Rabun County emergency management officials are tracking the storm’s trajectory and severity.
“Rabun County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring weather information from the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg and sharing that with the public safety agencies in Rabun County, as well as the board of education,” EMA director Brian Panell said.
Now Habersham is also closely monitoring the storm. Check back here for continuing updates.
Now Habersham reporters Nora Almazan and Jerry Neace contributed to this article
