The U.S. Postal Service is actively working to restore mail and package delivery services across Georgia after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which has severely impacted much of the Southeast.
Current USPS Operations in Georgia: As of October 9, USPS reports that nearly all of its 742 facilities in Georgia are operational. Out of the three-digit ZIP Code areas most affected (304, 308, 309, 315, and 316), 738 facilities have resumed operations, though two retail locations remain closed. Services from these closed facilities are temporarily being handled at nearby units to maintain access for customers. Additionally, mobile units have been deployed to provide services in areas where buildings are still inaccessible.
Key details on the current operational status include:
• One facility destroyed: The Lakeland Post Office was heavily damaged and operations have been moved to the Naylor Post Office.
• Power and flooding: Three facilities are without power, but no reports of facility flooding have been noted.
• Transaction limitations: Ten retail locations are currently handling only cash transactions.
• Mail delays: Approximately 153 offices have reported a cumulative delay of over two million pieces of mail due to the hurricane, with a backlog of 55,134 pieces as of October 7.
• Unreachable addresses: 7,548 addresses remain inaccessible due to blocked routes or severe storm damage.
Mail Delivery and Recovery Efforts: Postal service officials say they have made significant progress in clearing routes and resuming normal operations. Initially, over 3,000 routes were disrupted, but as of the latest report, all routes have been cleared, though some specific areas remain difficult to reach. Replacement vehicles are being deployed to aid in delivery resumption where postal vehicles were damaged or destroyed.
The USPS has implemented Sunday deliveries in certain impacted areas to help manage the backlog of mail and ensure that critical items reach recipients as soon as possible. Additionally, for residents who have had to relocate, the Postal Service encourages them to file a change of address form via the USPS website to ensure mail redirection to their current location.
Resources for Affected ResidentsP: The Postal Service is extending specific resources to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
• USPS employees are stationed at temporary shelters to assist with change-of-address requests.
• Social Security checks are prioritized for delivery and will be available for pick-up at local post offices if not delivered directly.
Residents seeking updates on USPS services or needing to file a change of address can visit moversguide.usps.com or the USPS Service Alerts page. The Postal Service remains committed to full recovery and urges residents to use online resources for the latest information on service restoration efforts.
