Here’s The Latest on Hurricane Helene as it Gets Closer to Georgia

Residents across north and central Georgia are bracing for significant impacts from Hurricane Helene, which is forecasted to bring widespread flooding, damaging winds, and the threat of tornadoes starting Thursday afternoon and lasting into Friday.

Helene, now officially a hurricane, is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall. The National Weather Service has issued a series of warnings and alerts for much of the state, including hurricane warnings and flood watches for the entire region.

The Details: According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene will begin affecting Georgia late Thursday and continue through Friday. The storm will bring a mix of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and short-lived tornadoes, which could lead to dangerous conditions for residents across the state.

Flooding concerns are high. Areas in north and central Georgia are under a high risk (Level 4) for excessive rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding in many areas. Forecasts predict 4 to 10 inches of rain for much of the state, with locally higher amounts reaching up to 12 inches in northeast Georgia. The National Weather Service warns that flooding could become life-threatening in some locations, especially in areas marked under the highest risk zone.

Damaging wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected across a wide area, with some localized regions potentially experiencing gusts over 60 mph. These high winds increase the risk of downed trees and power lines, which could lead to widespread and extended power outages across the state.

The tornado threat is expected to increase late Thursday into Friday, particularly for areas east of the storm’s center. Residents in these areas should prepare for the possibility of short-lived tornadoes as the storm moves inland overnight.

By the Numbers:

• Rainfall totals: 4 to 10 inches, with up to 12 inches possible in northeast Georgia.
• Wind gusts: 40 to 60 mph, with higher gusts over 60 mph possible.
• Flash flooding risk: High Risk (Level 4) for excessive rainfall in north and central Georgia.

In Context: This is the most significant storm threat Georgia has faced this hurricane season. As Helene moves inland, the combination of flooding, power outages, and tornadoes could disrupt daily life for thousands of people. The National Weather Service has emphasized the need for residents to have a way to receive alerts—especially overnight—when conditions could change rapidly.

Why It Matters: The potential for life-threatening flash floods, along with extended power outages from strong winds, poses a serious threat to communities across Georgia. Downed power lines and flooded roads are expected to create hazards for both emergency responders and residents. The flooding risk in particular could be severe, with saturated ground leading to quicker-than-usual flash flooding in many areas.

What’s Next: The worst of the storm’s impact is expected Thursday night into Friday afternoon. Residents should take this time to prepare for power outages by charging electronic devices and ensuring they have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. The National Weather Service also stresses that residents avoid driving through flooded areas, as just a few inches of moving water can be enough to sweep a car away.

What You Can Do: Stay informed by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities. Make sure family members and neighbors—especially the elderly—are aware of the storm’s risks and have a safe place to stay if needed. In the event of an emergency, always prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel in hazardous conditions.

As Georgia prepares for Helene, officials urge everyone to have a plan in place and to take warnings seriously. The next 48 hours will be critical in determining the storm’s full impact on the region.