As Hurricane Helene rapidly approaches Georgia, residents across the state are being urged to brace for significant impacts that will begin overnight Thursday and stretch into Friday morning. The storm, forecasted to bring torrential rain, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes, is expected to be particularly dangerous during the nighttime hours when most people are asleep.
According to weather forecasts, wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph are expected, with some areas possibly experiencing even stronger gusts over 60 mph. This creates a heightened risk of downed trees and power lines, leading to widespread and potentially prolonged power outages. The National Weather Service has also placed northern and central Georgia under a high risk for flash flooding, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated from recent rainfall.
Critical Preparations for Overnight Impact
Given the overnight timing of Helene’s most severe impacts, it’s vital that Georgians take immediate steps to stay informed and prepared:
- Enable weather alerts on your smartphones and weather apps so that you can receive critical updates, even as conditions change while you sleep. Many weather apps allow you to customize alerts for severe storms, tornado warnings, and flash flood alerts.
- Have a battery-powered weather radio ready. This will be especially important if power outages affect mobile networks, cutting off access to vital updates. Radios will provide continuous broadcasts from the National Weather Service, ensuring you don’t miss important safety advisories.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and drinking water. Given the risk of extended outages, having these items available can help you stay safe until utilities are restored.
Stay off the Roads: For those who may be planning travel, it is recommended to reconsider. Roads are expected to be hazardous, with flooding possible in low-lying areas and debris, such as fallen trees, blocking passage. The Georgia Department of Transportation has crews ready to respond but warns that operations could be delayed until it’s safe to remove debris. Motorists should avoid travel during the storm, and any intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal should be treated as a four-way stop.
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Tornado and Flash Flood Risk: The threat of tornadoes is also a significant concern, particularly in areas east of the storm’s center, where tornado activity could spike late Thursday into early Friday. Short-lived but dangerous tornadoes are a possibility. Additionally, residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for potential flash flooding, especially in north and central Georgia, where up to 12 inches of rain is possible.
Power Outages and Emergency Response: Governor Brian Kemp has already declared a state of emergency across Georgia in anticipation of the storm’s effects. Utility companies, including Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations, have activated emergency crews and are prepared for rapid response as soon as conditions allow. However, residents should expect outages to last beyond the initial storm due to the widespread damage anticipated. EMCs encourage residents to report outages through their websites and apps.
Steps to Take Now: In addition to enabling alerts and preparing emergency kits, it’s crucial to secure any loose outdoor items, charge all devices, and fill gas tanks ahead of time. If you rely on medical devices that need power, consider relocating to a safer area or ensuring you have backup power sources.
