By Thursday evening, Hurricane Helene’s maximum sustained winds had increased to 130 mph and had reached Category 4 status as it approached the Florida coast.
Much of the Southeast was poised to get battered as Hurricane Helene spiraled closer to landfall. Weather experts say the storm is approaching Category 2 force-winds as the Gulf Coast system has caused rainfall as far away as Georgia and South Carolina.
In Atlanta and parts of North Georgia, residents are bracing for more rain throughout the evening as well as the risk of tornadoes. Helene has a well-formed eye and is expected to be a Category 3 storm when it hits land.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement that, “As Hurricane Helene strengthens, it’s likely that all parts of Georgia will be impacted in the coming days. I have directed state agencies to ensure we are fully prepared and ordered activation of the State Operations Center.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said that the city is preparing for the storm by pre-emptively cleaning all storm drainage systems to mitigate any possible flooding.
Helene is projected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it enters the Gulf of Mexico, making landfall late Thursday near Florida’s Big Bend region, close to Apalachicola. In preparation for the storm’s potential impacts, Georgia’s governor has declared a State of Emergency to allocate resources for responding to Helene-related issues.
Tropical Storm Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, with winds reaching 50 mph and stronger gusts. The storm is moving west-northwest at 12 mph and is expected to pass between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula early Wednesday.
How Will Helene Affect Metro Atlanta?
Tropical Storm Helene is now forecast to remain a tropical storm as it tracks through north Georgia Friday morning. Bands of rain will hit metro Atlanta’s western side by Wednesday atfternoon.
There will be some localized flooding in different areas around metro Atlanta Thursday afternoon and into Friday. In addition to heavy rain, there will be the potential for tornadoes as well.
Helene: How To Stay Safe
Create a plan that includes evacuation routes, communication methods, and a designated meeting place for your family.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Assemble a kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
If you can afford it, a portable generator may come in handy during an outage.
Board up windows and doors, and bring in outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Avoid Flood-Prone Areas
Stay away from low-lying areas that are prone to flooding and heed any evacuation orders from local authorities.
During the storm, remain inside and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay away from windows and doors.
Monitor Power Outages
Be prepared for potential power outages. Have alternative light sources and keep your phone charged.
Once the storm has passed, watch out for hazards like downed power lines, flooding, and debris.
Stay Away from Floodwater
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.
After the storm, check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may need assistance.
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