Are Georgia’s Electric Companies Prepared for Hurricane Helene?

As Hurricane Helene intensifies and heads for landfall, Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations are making swift preparations for what could be a significant event for residents across the state. With Helene expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm, it is projected to reach Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday before moving into Georgia by the evening. The entire state is expected to feel the storm’s impact, bringing heavy rain, high winds, and an increased risk of tornadoes.

The Details: Hurricane Helene is predicted to move swiftly, leaving widespread rain and wind damage across Georgia. The storm is expected to deliver at least four inches of rain across its path, with sustained winds of over 110 mph, particularly on the eastern side of the storm, which includes much of Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency, making resources available to assist with the expected damage and power outages.

In response, Georgia’s EMCs have been working closely with state and regional agencies to coordinate efforts.

Preparedness Efforts: EMCs have mobilized key staff, contract crews, and trucks filled with emergency supplies. In addition, they are coordinating with local emergency services such as fire, police, and public works departments to ensure a unified response. Electric cooperatives across the region are also on standby, ready to send additional help if needed.

TOO MANY ADS? GO AD-FREE
Did You Know?: The ads you see on this site help pay for our website and our work. However, we know some of our readers would rather pay and not see ads. For those users we offer a paid newsletter that contains our articles with no ads.
What You Get: A daily email digest of our articles in full-text with no ads.

EMC members are urged to prepare as well. Residents should secure their homes, charge their devices, and stock up on essential supplies. The storm could cause extended power outages, so those relying on medical devices are advised to charge backup power sources or temporarily relocate.

What You Can Do: Residents in the storm’s path should prepare by taking the following steps.

• Securing their property and bringing loose items indoors.
• Keeping devices fully charged.
• Having non-perishable food and water available.
• Filling gas tanks ahead of time.
• Making a plan for medically necessary equipment.
• Staying informed through local news and weather apps.

EMC members can stay updated on outages and report them via their local EMC. Real-time updates on outages are available at Georgia EMC’s outage map, which refreshes every 15 minutes.

What’s Next: Georgia EMCs will continue to monitor Hurricane Helene and respond to power outages once conditions are safe. Residents are encouraged to follow local safety advisories and prepare for the storm’s impact, which is expected to last through Friday afternoon as Helene makes its way across northern Georgia.