Hurricane Helene is on track for landfall Thursday night east of Tallahassee, Florida. The Category 3 hurricane brings significant hazards that have the Southeast on high alert. The storm is expected to come ashore as a Cat 4 storm with sustained winds of around 140 mph.
High winds, flooding, tornadoes, and widespread debris that could block major roadways are just a few of the concerns in Georgia. State officials urge residents to prepare for what could be one of the most severe hurricanes to hit the state in recent years.
Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference Thursday afternoon, providing an update on the state’s preparedness efforts. Speaking at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Kemp stressed that Hurricane Helene is expected to affect the entire state, not just isolated regions.
“This is a big storm, and it’s going to affect our entire state,” he said. “We feel certain we’re going to have to clear debris statewide, and if people are on the roads, that will only slow down the process and create more dangers.”
The governor urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, as the Georgia Department of Transportation prepares to mobilize crews across the state.
“We’re expecting debris fields in all parts of the state,” Kemp added, “so it’s crucial that our crews have clear access to begin recovery efforts as soon as it’s safe.”
Power outages are also a major concern, with Georgia Power deploying approximately 10,000 linemen ready to restore electricity as soon as conditions allow. With the storm’s expected strength, power lines are likely to be affected across much of the state.
Flooding and tornado risks
As Helene inches closer to the Georgia coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several alerts, including tornado watches and flood warnings. Flooding is anticipated to be especially severe in the northern part of the state, where areas like Atlanta and surrounding counties could see over 10 inches of rain. Flash flooding is also a significant concern in regions that have recently experienced dry conditions, which could exacerbate the severity of the floods.
White County is already preparing for potential damage on par with what was experienced during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Bryce Barrett of the county’s Emergency Management Agency noted that residents should expect flash flooding and should prepare emergency kits, including food and water, in case of extended power outages.
“We’re stressing to the public the importance of having preparedness kits and signing up for emergency alerts through county systems,” Barrett advised.
In the central part of the state, cities like Warner Robins are already distributing sandbags to help residents protect their homes from expected flooding. Long lines of cars were seen Thursday morning as locals took advantage of the free distribution efforts, indicating widespread concerns about the storm’s potential to cause significant water damage.
The National Weather Service has provided educational materials on how to stay safe during a flood and an interactive map to monitor flood-prone areas in real-time.
Travel and flight disruptions
Hurricane Helene is also causing disruptions at one of the busiest airports in the world. By Thursday morning, over 100 flights had already been delayed or canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with more disruptions expected as the storm approaches. The delays follow over 1,100 flight delays from the previous day, further complicating travel plans for those trying to evacuate or reschedule flights.
Emergency shelters and resources
To ensure public safety, GEMA has opened several shelters in Central and South Georgia in the path of the storm. These shelters will provide a safe space for residents who need to evacuate and cannot remain in their homes during the hurricane. Residents are advised to check GEMA’s online resources for shelter locations and other safety updates.
Utility workers and tree service teams from neighboring states like Tennessee have already arrived in Georgia, staging in areas like Macon and preparing to assist with post-storm cleanup efforts. This proactive response is expected to help restore normalcy as quickly as possible once the storm passes.
