Metro Atlanta under Flash Flood Warnings: Live Updates on Helene | Weather

ATLANTA – Hurricane Helene, packing sustained winds of 80 mph, is constant its trek northward via Georgia. The storm has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm.

Helene is anticipated to influence the north Georgia space with tropical storm-force winds, heavy rains, lightning, and the potential for spin-up tornadoes.

The FOX 5 Storm Team will continuously replace this text with the most recent data all through the storm. 

Here's the most recent:

Hurricane Warning, Tropical Storm Warning in Georgia

4:25 a.m.: Fire crews have rescued not less than one driver who was trapped at a house close to Peachtree Creek in northwest Atlanta.

FOX 5's Brooke Zauner noticed submerged vehicles on Woodward Way close to the creek.

Along with Peachtree Creek, Nancy Creek at Rickenbacker Drive in Fulton County is reported to be within the Major Flood Stage.

4:12 a.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Habersham and Rabun counties till 8 a.m. The National Weather Service experiences between 3 and7 inches have fallen and extra rainfall of 1 to three inches is feasible.

4 a.m.: Hurricane Helene is slowing down, however the quantity of injury it may deal nonetheless stays excessive. The National Hurricane Center experiences Helene was positioned about 100 miles southwest of Augusta and about 40 miles southeast of Macon. The storm was shifting north at 30 mph and had sustained winds reaching as much as 75 miles per hour.  A University of Georgia climate station in Vidalia, Georgia lately reported a wind gust of 77 mph.

Officers have blocked off a part of Lenox Road in Atlanta's Morningside neighborhood whereas they cope with two automobiles caught in a flooded a part of the street.

On Brookhaven's Carter Drive, a fallen tree snapped energy strains and left issues at the hours of darkness. A Georgia Power crew was on the scene analyzing the harm however weren't capable of start repairs.

Water rescues and evacuations proceed at Peachtree Park in Atlanta over considerations of rising waters from Peachtree Creek.

While the flooding is the main target of considerations round metro Atlanta proper now, the world is bracing for winds to choose up within the subsequent few hours because the storm's bands go via the world.

3:38 a.m.: More than 583,000 clients are with out energy in Georgia. That quantity is anticipated to leap up rapidly because the storm strikes northward towards the metro Atlanta space.

In Valdosta, the worst a part of the storm is over, however the heavy winds have left almost 100% of the world with out energy and broken many buildings.

Crews say they are going to start to work on restoring energy as quickly as it's secure to ship out the bucket vans.

3:30 a.m.: In Atlanta, firefighters responded to experiences of a lady trapped inside her residence by floodwaters.

The rescue occurred on the CoHo Apartments on N Colonial Homes Circle, which is positioned near Peachtree Creek in northwest Atlanta.

FOX 5's Brooke Zauner discovered firefighters on the scene and vehicles partly lined with water within the parking zone.

3 a.m.: The National Hurricane Center experiences that Helene continues to provide hurricane-force winds because it strikes deeper into Georgia. The hurricane is shifting north-northeast at a pace of round 30 mph and is positioned about 75 miles north of Valdosta and 55 miles south-southeast of Macon.

Weather stations in Douglas, Georgia have reported wind gusts of 92 mph.

2:57 a.m. – Residents living near Nancy Creek in Sandy Springs are being evacuated because the waters rise. 

2:50 a.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Butts, Crawford, Monroe, Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale, Walton, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, Talbot, Taylor, and Upson counties till 5:15 a.m. Live VIPIR indicated heavy rain throughout the warned space. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The anticipated rainfall fee is 0.5 to 1 inch in 1 hour. Additional rainfall quantities of 1 to three inches are attainable within the warned space. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly.

2:46 a.m. – Georgia Power experiences 283,482 outages whereas Georgia EMCs report 258,618 outages, largely in southern and Middle Georgia.

2:44 a.m. – A Flash Flood Warning for Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties has been prolonged via 6 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated heavy 2 inches per hour or higher rainfall charges pushing throughout the warned space. Many places have already acquired in extra of 4 inches of rainfall at this time, with extra rain on the best way. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly throughout the warned space.

2:42 a.m. – Hall County experiences 71 roadway incidents, together with downed timber and site visitors sign points, since Wednesday night.

2:40 a.m. – Briarcliff Road at Briarlake Road is closed resulting from flooding.

2:34 a.m – A Flood Warning has been issued for Sweetwater Creek close to Austell affecting Douglas and Cobb counties till early Sunday morning. At 10.0 ft, Flood Stage is reached. Minor flooding happens within the woodlands and fields upstream and downstream from the gauge close to the Interstate 20 bridge. Portions of a paintball taking part in discipline simply downstream of the bridge start to flood. Athletic fields in Woodrow Wilson Park on Mount Vernon Road started to flood resulting from water backing up in ditches. At 13.0 ft, Moderate flooding started. Significant flooding happens within the woodlands and fields upstream and downstream from the gauge close to the Interstate 20 bridge. Portions of a paintball taking part in discipline simply downstream of the bridge and athletic fields within the Woodrow Wilson Park on Mount Vernon Road are flooded with 2 to three ft of water. Water started to flood just a few cell houses on Brook Forest Road and houses on Wren Circle in Douglas County. Portions of Sunlight Drive in Cobb County can be flooded.

2:30 a.m. – A tree crashed on a house alongside Casplan Street in southwest Atlanta. Homeowner Yolanda Tamplin mentioned there was no warning. 

“We were just asleep, and we heard a big boom, and I heard my son on the other side saying he can't get out and my daughter was trapped inside in her room, but my son was able to get her out,” she defined. Firefighters needed to break home windows to get them out of the house. 

2:12 a.m. – Fire crews are responding to the Peachtree Park Apartments in Atlanta after experiences that the adjoining Peachtree Creek is rising. One resident informed FOX 5 they woke as much as two ft of water of their condominium.

2:02 a.m. – Sandy Springs experiences residents residing close to Nancy Creek are suggested to evacuate to increased floor resulting from excessive flooding. The bridge close to Windsor Parkway over Nancy Creek is closed. Detour to Peachtree Dunwoody Road to Peachtree Rd to Wieuca Rd to Roswell Road OR Peachtree Dunwoody Road NORTH to Glenridge Connector.

2 a.m. – The National Hurricane Center says Helene has been downgraded to a Category 1 with winds of 90 mph. It continues to maneuver north-northeast at 26 mph. It was positioned about 30 miles north of Valdosta and about 185 miles south of Atlanta.

1:41 a.m. – Georgia Power experiences 167,772 outages and Georgia's EMCs report 155,860 throughout the state.

1:29 a.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Big Creek under Hog Wallow Creek at Roswell affecting Fulton County till additional discover. At 12.0 ft, Minor flooding continues to broaden additional into the woodlands and grassy areas alongside the creek upstream and downstream from the gage. Further downstream, the place the creek merges with the Chattahoochee River, the Big Creek and Azalea parks close to Roswell Road and alongside Riverside Road and Azalea Drive start to flood. If the Roswell gage on the Chattahoochee River is 7.5 ft or increased, then the mixture of flows will trigger the entry street to the Huntcliff horse stables throughout from Azalea Park to flood. At 10.0 ft, Flood Stage is reached. Minor flooding of woodlands and grassy areas start alongside the creek upstream and downstream from the gage off Oxbo Drive within the Roswell space. Also excessive water continues to encroach into the Big Creek Park two miles downstream alongside Roswell Road and Riverside Road. If the Roswell gage on the Chattahoochee River is 8 ft or increased, then the mixture of
flows will trigger the entry street to the Huntcliff horse stables throughout from Azalea Park to start to flood.

1:24 a.m. – The Flood Warning for Peachtree Creek in Atlanta affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties has been upgraded to a Major flooding occasion. The warning is in impact till late Friday afternoon. At 23.0 ft, A large flood happens with the water flowing over Northside Drive. Numerous evacuations are wanted as many houses, companies, and residences can be flooded with a number of ft of water alongside Peachtree Park Drive, Fairhaven Circle, Peachtree Memorial Drive, Biscayne Drive, North Colonial Homes Circle, Haven Ridge Drive, Alton Road, Woodward Way, Sagamore Drive, Oldfield Road, Peachtree Battle Avenue and Circle, Bohler Road, Hanover West Drive and Battleview Drive. Wesley Drive stays flooded.

1:23 a.m. – A Flash Flood Warning Harris, Meriwether, Pike, Talbot, Troup, and Upson counties till 7:30 a.m. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated heavy rain throughout the warned space. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall quantities of 1 to 2 inches are attainable within the warned space. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly.

1:20 a.m. – Hurricane Helene continues to pose critical threats throughout Georgia as it really works its method up from Florida. The National Weather Service has issued a collection of Flash Flood Warnings, with heavy rains anticipated to persist for a number of hours. 

FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley reported that the storm is shifting rapidly and continues to trigger important hassle throughout northern Georgia. “Buckle up,” Chandley warned. “We’ve got numerous flash flood warnings in northeast Georgia and across metro Atlanta. Flooding is already ongoing, and it’s only going to get worse.” 

Areas resembling Cobb, Paulding, and Bartow counties are experiencing heavy downpours, with rainfall totals reaching 2 to 4 inches in simply the final 12 hours. Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for each Georgia and the upstate area of South Carolina. 

The middle of Hurricane Helene made landfall close to the Georgia-Florida line early this morning, with the attention of the storm close to Valdosta. The storm is shifting north, anticipated to comply with I-75 towards north Georgia because the day progresses. Additional rainfall of two to five inches is anticipated throughout a lot of the state, with some areas already reporting totals as excessive as 8 inches. 

In addition to flooding considerations, widespread energy outages are being reported throughout southern Georgia. 

The wind harm is a rising concern, significantly in areas like Valdosta and alongside Georgia's shoreline. “We’re going to continue to monitor wind speeds, but as of now, we’ve seen gusts over 70 miles per hour in many areas. These winds will continue to be a problem as Helene makes its way north,” FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alex Forbes mentioned. 

In Atlanta, downed timber have already prompted important harm. A tree fell onto a house on Palisade Road in Buckhead, and experiences of fallen timber proceed to return in throughout Fulton County. Emergency shelters have been opened in DeKalb and Douglas counties for residents needing security from the storm. The Emergency Operations Center in Douglas County stays lively, monitoring situations. 

The state of affairs stays fluid, and officers are urging residents to remain off the roads and stay indoors. With flooding and wind situations anticipated to worsen into the evening, the first concern continues to be the protection of residents in affected areas. 

FOX 5’s Christopher King, reporting dwell from northeast Atlanta, reiterated that the state of affairs stays harmful: “Flooding is ongoing, and with more rain and wind to come, we expect conditions to deteriorate further.” 

Residents are suggested to remain tuned to native updates and climate warnings because the storm continues its path via the area. 

1 a.m. – A beaver is taking a midnight dip in what needs to be a roadway, however is now Peachtree Creek.

12:58 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Chattahoochee, Harris, and Muscogee counties till 7 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated heavy rain throughout the warned space. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall quantities of 1 to 2 inches are attainable within the warned space. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly.

12:44 a.m. – Waterways throughout north Georgia are starting to overflow as rains from the outer bands of Hurricane Helene proceed to dump regular rain over the world. FOX 5 crews at Peachtree Creek in Atlanta have seen the water steadily rise over the previous couple of hours.

12:39 a.m. – Valley View Road is at the moment closed resulting from a downed tree, Dunwoody police reported

.

12:38 a.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties till 3 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated heavy 2 inch per hour or higher rainfall charges pushing throughout the warned space. Many places have already acquired in extra of 4 inches of rainfall at this time, with extra rain on the best way. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly throughout the warned space.

12:35 a.m. – The eye of Hurricane Helene approaches the Florida-Georgia line because it treks northward into the Peach State.

12:34 a.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta affecting Fulton and Cobb counties till late Friday morning. At 14.0 ft, Flood stage is reached. Minor flooding begins within the woodlands alongside the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Paces Ferry Road. Portions of an athletic discipline at Lovett School…backyards of residential houses on Cochise Drive, Paces Ferry Drive, Paces Manor and Farmington Drive, and strolling paths by a restaurant can be under one foot of water. 

12:30 a.m. – Power goes out in Valdosta as Helene treks north into Georgia.

12:28 a.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the South River at Flakes Mill Road close to Atlanta affecting DeKalb County till Friday night. At 15.0 ft, Minor flooding continues to broaden additional into the woodlands alongside the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Flakes Mill Road. Large parts of the Chapel Parkwest of the gage can be under 2 to three ft of water. At 19.0 ft, Moderate flooding begins. Significant flooding expands additional into the woodlands alongside the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Flakes Mill Road. The Chapel Park west of the gage can be utterly flooded. The flood waters will cowl low parts of the service street resulting in the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility…and have an effect on the parking heaps south of the administration constructing on the property. Flooding begins in backyards of houses on Roundtable and English Valley Drives. 

12:27 a.m. – The Oconee County Sheriff's Office experiences each lanes of Inner loop between exits 4 and 1 are shut down resulting from an accident. Avoid the world.

12:26 a.m. – Georgia Power experiences 89,420 outages and Georgia EMCs report 73,405 outages throughout the state.

12:20 a.m. – Winds have begun to choose up in Valdosta. MORE

12:10 a.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Chattahoochee River at US 41 in Atlanta affecting Fulton and Cobb counties till additional discover. At 14.0 ft, Flood stage is reached. Minor flooding happens within the woodlands and parts of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area alongside the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Cobb Parkway. The flood waters will attain the highest of the concrete boat ramp within the recreation space. 

12:03 a.m. – A powerful thunderstorm will influence parts of southwestern Rockdale, southwestern DeKalb, central Henry, south central Fulton, northern Clayton and west central Newton Counties via 12:30 a.m. A powerful thunderstorm was over Kelleytown, or close to McDonough, shifting northwest at 35 mph. It had 40 mph winds and heavy rain.

12 a.m. – Helene's eyewall is shifting extraordinarily rapidly over the Florida Panhandle and is taking purpose at southern Georgia.

11:57 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Alcovy River at New Hope Road close to Grayson affecting Walton and Gwinnett counties till late Friday morning. At 9.0 ft, Flood stage is reached. Minor flooding begins of the woodlands upstream and downstream from the river gauge at New Hope Road. At 11.0 ft, Moderate flooding begins. Significant flooding expands additional into the woodlands upstream and downstream from the river gauge at New Hope Road. The water stage reaches the underside of the bridge. County officers may have to shut the bridge resulting from erosion to the banks on the perimeters of the bridge.

11:55 p.m. – The metropolis of Atlanta says Lake Forrest Drive NE is at the moment closed from Barbara Lane NW to Chastain Park Drive NW (previously West Wieuca Road NW) resulting from storm-related impacts within the space. The closure will stay in impact till additional discover. 

11:50 p.m. – The Spalding County Sheriff's Office experiences the next roads are closed: 

• O’Dell Rd (Lakeshore)
• School Rd (475-500)
• Moon Road ( Bridge Closed )
• Scott Branch Rd (flooding)

11:36 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton counties till 5:30 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR and automatic rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling throughout the warned space. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The anticipated rainfall fee is 1 to three inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall quantities of 1 to three inches are attainable within the warned space. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly.

11:34 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Nancy Creek at West Wesley Road at Atlanta affecting Fulton County till additional discover. 

11:32 p.m. – Helene is anticipated to convey “unprecedented wind and flooding impacts” to north Georgia via Friday, the National Weather Service experiences. 

11:27 p.m. – A powerful thunderstorm will influence parts of south central Rockdale, central Henry, Butts and southwestern Newton counties via midnight. The storm, positioned over Stark close to Jackson, was shifting northwest at 25 mph.

11:23 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gilmer, Pickens, Bartow, Carroll, Gordon, Murray, Paulding, and Coweta counties till 5:30 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated heavy rain falling throughout the warned space. Between 1 and three inches of rain have fallen. The anticipated rainfall fee is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall quantities of 1 to three inches are attainable within the warned space. Flash flooding is ongoing or anticipated to start shortly.

11:20 p.m. – Hurricane Helene has made landfall close to Perry, Florida within the Big Bend area. It continues to maneuver inland, north-northeast at 24 mph.

11:11 p.m. – Two individuals have been killed in a attainable twister in south Georgia as Hurricane Helene approaches, Wheeler County Sheriff's Office experiences. The probably twister touched down close to Hwy. 19 at Adams Cemetery Road, destroying a cell residence.

11:09 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Big Creek at GA-9 close to Cumming affecting Forsyth County till additional discover. At 6 ft, Flood stage is reached. Minor flooding will broaden into the pure flood plain of the creek upstream and downstream from the gage at Atlanta Highway or Georgia Highway 9. Large parts of the sidewalk and boardwalk of the Big Creek Greenway will start to flood. The areas under the Georgia 400 Highway and McFarland Road can be lined with round one foot of water. A portion of the sidewalk under Majors Road can be lined with round two ft of water.

11 p.m. – Hurricane Helene may be very shut to creating landfall in Florida Big Bend, accompanied by catastrophic storm surge and life-threatening winds.

Meanwhile, north Georgia residents needs to be bracing for important rainfall and robust winds. FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chanley indicated that the storm is anticipated to influence metro Atlanta early Friday morning, with probably the most intense climate probably occurring between 2 a.m. and seven a.m.  

Chanley warned of harmful situations, together with heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding throughout northern Georgia. Preliminary experiences present almost two inches of rain have already fallen within the Atlanta space, with forecasts predicting an extra three to 5 inches via Friday morning. “The flooding is going to get worse,” Chanley mentioned. 

Wind gusts have already begun to choose up, reaching as excessive as 50 mph in some areas. Officials are involved about downed timber and energy strains as winds improve all through the evening. 

Flash flood warnings are at the moment in impact for a number of counties, significantly within the northern metro space and alongside the Georgia-South Carolina coast. The National Weather Service has urged residents to organize for quickly altering situations and to stay vigilant because the storm progresses. 

Meteorologists count on the worst of the storm to go by midday on Friday, though rain and wind could linger into the weekend. While temperatures are projected to stay within the 70s, the potential for extra rain and wind will maintain the area on alert. 

10:57 p.m. – The Flood Warning for Nancy Creek at Rickenbacker Drive in Atlanta affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties has been upgraded. Major flooding begins with widespread flooding of residential property and round 25 houses upstream and downstream from the gage on Rickenbacker Drive. The water can be just a few ft deep within the crawl areas and walkout basements of houses on East Powder Horn Road and Hitching Post Trail round 1.5 miles upstream, alongside Rickenbacker Way close to the gage, and the out buildings on Fairfield Drive round 2 miles downstream. 

10:53 p.m. – Georgia Power experiences 20,658 outages whereas the Georgia EMCs report 10,253 outages throughout the state.

10:39 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for South Fork Peachtree Creek at Johnson Road in Atlanta affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties till Friday afternoon. Major flooding begins alongside the creek upstream and downstream from the gage on Johnson Road. Record flooding by no means seen earlier than will inundate the backyards of the residential houses on Noble Drive, Helen Drive< and Kay Lane with as much as 4 ft of water. The water stage will attain the foundations of some houses and should enter some crawl areas. This top mixed with the move on North Fork Peachtree Creek will probably produce main flooding additional downstream on Peachtree Creek in Fulton County.

10:32 p.m. – The Flood Warning for the Flint River at US 19 close to Carsonville affecting Crawford, Talbot, Upson and Taylor counties via late Monday night has been upgraded. The river is anticipated to rise above flood stage late Thursday evening to a crest of 31.1 ft early Saturday morning. It will then fall under flood stage on Monday afternoon.

10:31 p.m. – The Flood Warning for Nancy Creek at Rickenbacker Drive at Atlanta affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties has been upgraded till Friday afternoon. Widespread flooding of residential yards and property happens upstream and downstream from the gage on Rickenbacker Drive. The water will start to enter crawl areas and walkout basements of houses on East Powder Horn Road and Hitching Post Trail round 1.5 miles upstream…alongside Rickenbacker Way close to the gage, and out buildings on Fairfield Drive round 2 miles downstream.

10:29 p.m. – The Flood Warning has been issued for the Hiwassee River at Riverside Drive close to Hiawassee, affecting Towns County via Friday night. Flooding continues to broaden into fields and woodlands close to the river. Several trailer houses within the Enchanted Valley Resort, round one mile downstream and on the precise financial institution of the stream gage on Riverside Drive, could have water starting to get into the houses. Access roads within the resort will start to flood. Evacuations of some residents could also be essential. The water stage will attain the underside of the Riverside Drive bridge, and it might be closed by county officers.

10:25 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Potato Creek at County Line Road close to Orchard Hill, affecting Lamar and Spalding counties till additional discover. Minor flooding continues within the woodlands, fields, and pastures upstream and downstream from the gage on County Line Road.

10:25 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Alcovy River at New Hope Road close to Grayson, affecting Gwinnett and Walton counties till additional discover. Minor flooding continues to broaden additional into the woodlands upstream and downstream from the river gauge at New Hope Road.

10:24 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Shoal Creek at Columbia Drive close to Atlanta, affecting DeKalb County till additional discover. Minor flooding will happen within the woodlands and pure flood plain of the creek upstream and downstream from the gage on Columbia Drive.

10:24 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Sweetwater Creek at Club Drive close to Lilburn, affecting Gwinnett County till additional discover. Minor flooding will happen in parts of the Northwood Country Club Golf Course upstream from the gage on Club Drive…and within the woodland areas downstream from the gage and for the subsequent 4 miles till the creek merges with the Yellow River. An previous concrete golf cart bridge round 300 ft downstream from the gage will start to flood.

10:23 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Crooked Creek close to Norcross affecting Gwinnett and Fulton counties till additional discover. Minor flooding of the pure flood plain begins primarily on the left financial institution upstream and downstream from the gauge at Spalding Drive.

10:23 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Peachtree Creek in Atlanta, affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties. Moderate flooding is anticipated close to Northside Drive. A parking zone close to the nook of Peachtree Road and Fairhaven Circle begins to flood. Woodward Way will flood with 1 to five ft of water and attain the inspiration of some houses that haven't been elevated. Sections of Hanover West Drive and backyards on parts of Peachtree Battle Avenue will flood with 1 to three ft of water, and it'll attain the inspiration of some houses.

10:22 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for North Fork Peachtree Creek at Buford Highway Atlanta affecting DeKalb and Fulton counties till additional discover. This will influence houses alongside Victory Drive, Dunwoody Place, and Converse Drive with about 5 ft of water anticipated. The Sun Tan Center parking zone and an condominium parking zone will even be impacted. This top mixed with the move on South Fork Peachtree Creek will probably produce main flooding additional downstream on Peachtree Creek in Fulton County.

10:21 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Snapfinger Creek close to Decatur affecting DeKalb County till additional discover. Minor flooding is anticipated, impacting woodlands and yards close to the creek upstream and downstream from the gage on Redan Road. It will primarily have an effect on places off South Indian Creek Drive and Rowland Road upstream from the gage. Flooding will broaden within the park close to the creek subsequent to Rowland Road and parts of Redan Road could have standing water resulting from poor drainage.

10:20 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Cobbs Creek at Rainbow Road close to Decatur, affecting DeKalb County till additional discover. It will influence residential yards and woodlands alongside the creek close to Rainbow Drive. Floodwaters can be from one to 2 ft deep in parts of the backyards of some houses off Kings Park Circle, Rainover Drive, Rainshower Drive, and Calumet Road.

10:18 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Flint River close to Griffin affecting Fayette and Spalding cunties via late Sunday night. It is anticipated to influence woodlands, fields and pastures close to Georgia Highway 16 or Newnan Road. The backyards of houses on the finish of Landing Way upstream from the bridge can be flooded with round 3 ft of water.

10:17 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been exteneded for the Flint River close to Lovejoy, affecting Fayette, Spalding and Clayton counties via early Sunday morning. Some residential yards close to Upper Riverdale Road and Georgia Highway 138 can be impacted as will Upper Riverdale Road and Mockingbird Road. It will even have an effect on parts of the Rivers Edge Golf Course. 

10:12 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Chattahoochee River at West Point affecting Harris, Chambers, Troup and Lee counties in Georgia and Alabama. Minor flooding is anticipated via Saturday morning. The West Poin City Hall, police and hearth departments will see water encroach the parking zone.

10:10 p.m. – The Flood Warning alongside the Chattahoochee River close to Whitesburg affecting Heard, Coweta and Carroll Counties has been prolonged till Sunday morning. It is anticipated to influence Riverside Park subsequent to the bridge, which can be under 5 ft of water. Some houses on the finish of Bob Brewster Road will even be flooded. Moore Creek will again up and flood parts of Payton Road close to Cliff Payton Circle round 3 ft deep. The day-use space parking zone and north tenting website within the Chattahoochee Bend State Park can be under 3 ft of water.

10:08 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Chattahoochee River at GA-280 close to Atlanta, affecting Fulton and Cobb counties. Moderate flooding is forecasted via Saturday morning. Floodwaters of 1 to 4 ft deep are anticipated to cowl the railroad tracks within the industrial space on each side of the river close to South Cobb Drive. It will even influence a close-by enterprise parking zone and a portion of Paul Avenue. The river entry street on the Georgia Power Plant McDonough will even be impacted.

10:05 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Suwanee Creek at Suwanee, affecting Gwinnett County via early Saturday morning. Minor flooding is anticipated alongside U.S. 21 or Buford Highway. Suwanee Creek Greenway and trails will probably flood from the Suwanee Creek Park to George Pierce Park. it is usually anticipated to flood the playground space behind Suwanee Elementary School.

10 p.m. – The eyewall of Helene is starting to maneuver ashore. 

9:56 p.m. – The Flood Warning for the Middle Oconee River close to Arcade affecting Barrow and Jackson Counties has been upgraded to reasonable flooding. The warning, which is in impact till late Saturday morning, is anticipated to flood woodlands, fields and pastures round Georgia Highway 82. It will attain a number of home foundations and can influence houses alongside Bismarck Circle Road.

9:51 p.m. – The Flood Warning alongside the Yellow River at Gees Mill Road affecting Newton and Rockdale Counties has been upgraded to Moderate flooding. The warning, which is prolonged till late Sunday morning, will influence Riverside Estates Travel and Mobile Home Park in Newton County, in addition to West Dollar and Sycamore Roads. Several dozen houses will flood within the space. Several roads within the Lake Capri subdivision together with Lake Sorrento Court, Lake Capri Drive, Capistrano Way, Rivieria, and Westminister Lane.

9:43 p.m. – The Flood Warning on the Yellow River at Pleasant Hill Road close to Lithonia has been upgraded from minor to reasonable. This impacted DeKalb and Rockdale counties till Saturday afternoon. The river is now anticipated to crest above 21 ft, inflicting flooding alongside Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County, and impacting yards alongside Harmony Hills Drive and Court in DeKalb County. This will even influence houses within the Lake Capri subdivision, Lake Sorrento Court, Lake Capri Drive, Capistrano Way, Rivieria, and Westminister Lane. This warning will stay in impact via Saturday afternoon.

9:35 p.m. – Emergency crews in Atlanta have been busy responding to a number of experiences of timber and energy strains being downed. 

9:33 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Chattooga River at Summerville, affecting Chattooga County. Minor flooding is anticipated of woodlands and fields round U.S. Highway 27 or Rome Boulevard. The warning is in impact till early Saturday morning.

9:30 p.m. – Georgia Power experiences 23,229 outage and the Georgia EMCs report 7,452 outages throughout the state.

9:20 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Butts, Crawford, Monroe, Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale, Walton, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, Talbot, Taylor, and Upson counties till 3:15 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated 1 to three inches of rain has fallen with an anticipated fee of a half-inch to an inch of rain attainable per hour. It is feasible as much as one other 3 inches may fall.

9:10 p.m. – In Henry County, Frog Road at Luella Road in Locust Grove is flooded. Flooding has additionally prompted the closure of Highway 81 at Lake Dow Academy. Barricades are in place and different routes are essential presently.

9:09 p.m. – The Spalding County Sheriff's Office experiences the next roads are closed:

• Moon Rd Bridge Closed O’Dell at Lakeshore
• 475-500 School Rd
• Rehoboth Rd @ Barnesville Rd
• 25 Hidden Covey Lane

9:08 p.m. – Clay County Emergency Management in North Carolina has issued a compulsory evacuation order efficient instantly for the next places: River Bend Circle, Snoozy Park, Theron McCray Road, Bristol Lane, Creekside RV Park, and Tusquittee Lane. Please transfer to increased floor from these areas instantly!

9:03 p.m. – Officials say that as many as 250 timber, probably extra, may come down in Cobb County alone with this storm, primarily based on previous, related storms.

9:01 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for the Oconee River close to Penfield affecting Oconee, Oglethorpe and Greene counties within the Oconee River Basin via late Monday morning. Minor flooding is anticipated which can overflow into fields, woodlands and pastures. It will even encroach upon Ward Road on the precise financial institution. 

9:01 p.m. – Brockett Road is blocked by a downed tree. Services are en route to ascertain security and removing. 

9 p.m. – Hurricane Helene has strengthened to 140 mph winds because it approaches the Florida shoreline.

8:54 p.m. – South Fulton officers report flooding alongside Old Bill Cook Road and Old National Highway.

8:51 p.m. – Henry County has opened an evacuation middle at JP Moseley Recreation Center positioned at 1041 Miller's Mill Road in Stockbridge via 7 a.m. Friday. Sleeping lodging usually are not out there at this website. Please convey important gadgets like drugs, private care merchandise, and vital paperwork if wanted. Transportation to this location shouldn't be out there presently, so please plan accordingly. Only journey when it's secure to take action. 

8:37 p.m. – Pothole on Jimmy Carter Blvd. Southbound at Buford Hwy. Right lane blocked.

Sinkhole opens as record-setting rainfall expected from Helene

8:35 p.m. – Flooding on I-20 Eastbound exit to I-285 SOUTH . All lanes closed.

8:31 p.m. – Flooding on I-285 Southbound earlier than E Ponce de Leon/Church St. 3 left lanes are blocked.

8:30 p.m. – Flooding reported alongside Lawrenceville Highway close to Orion Drive. All lanes closed.

8:28 p.m. – Buford Hwy (Southbound) within the 3540 Block. Multiple sinkholes are within the roadway. Use warning.

8:12 p.m. – Georgia Power experiences almost 6,000 outages and the Georgia EMCs are working greater than 9,000 outages throughout the state. 

8 p.m. – The National Weather Service is looking Hurricane Helene an especially harmful Category 4 storm which can convey catastrophic storm surge and life-threatening winds to the Florida Big Bend space.

7:58 p.m. –  A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Rabun County till 1 a.m. Friday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated between 3 and 6 inches of rain had already fallen with the probably of one other 1 to inches within the subsequent hour and one other 1 to 2 inches attainable after.

7:40 p.m. – Flood Warning for North Fork Peachtree Creek at Briarwood Road in Atlanta affecting DeKalb County. Minor flooding is anticipated alongside Peachtree, significantly areas of the Peachtree Greenway close to Corporate Boulevard. The warning is in impact till additional discover.

7:38 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been issued for Pew Creek at Patterson Road close to Lawrenceville affecting Gwinnett County within the Yellow River Basin. Minor flooding is forecasted to succeed in flood stage, flooding the parking zone of the Saratoga Swim and Tennis Club. The warning is in impact till additional discover.

7:35 p.m. – The metropolis of Atlanta is closing Lake Forrest Drive resulting from a sinkhole attributable to a culvert failure simply contained in the City of Atlanta. Lake Forrest Drive will stay closed in that space till the culvert is repaired.  Choose an alternate route and drive safely.

7:28 p.m. – Clay County, North Carolina has opened an emergency shelter for anybody in a high-risk flooding space or a right away life-threatening state of affairs because of the impending climate. The shelter is positioned on the Clay County Senior Center, 196 Ritter Road in Hayesville.  If you're unable to depart your property to journey to the shelter resulting from flooding, please name 911 for help.

7:16 p.m. – Campground Road in Henry County has been closed due to a fallen tree.

7:15 p.m. – A Flood Warning has been prolonged for the Yellow River at Pleasant Hill Road close to Lithonia affecting DeKalb and Rockdale Counties from Friday morning via Saturday morning. Minor flooding is anticipated to encroach upon woodlands and fields close to the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Pleasant Hill Road with flooding of backyards of houses starting on Harmony Hills Drive and Court. Johnson Creek, flowing under Union Grove Road, into the river, will start to again up. 

7 p.m. – Tropical storm situations are approaching the shoreline of Florida's Big Bend. A Weatherflow station at St. George Island lately reported a wind gust of 46 mph. A Weatherflow station at Egmont Channel close to the doorway of Tampa Bay lately reported a sustained wind of 54 mph and a wind gust of 71 mph.

6:30 p.m. – The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Hurricane Helene to a Category 4 storm. Click here for more.

6:26 p.m. – The Pike County Sheriff's Office says the next roads are closed:

• Hunter Road
• Dripping Rock street (on the bridge)
• Grady Maddox is impassable approx 1/4 from New Hope

6:11 p.m. – Sandy Springs Police report Powers Ferry Rd can be closed on each side of the street within the space of 5045 Powers Ferry Rd resulting from a tree down. Georgia Power is estimating 3+ hours to clear.

6 p.m. – The National Hurricane Center has prolonged the Hurricane Warning additional north. Here are the present warnings:

• A Hurricane Warning is in impact for Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Muscogee, Peach, Pike, Pulaski, Schley, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Telfair, Twiggs, Upson, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkinson
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in impact for Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Emanuel, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Putnam, Rockdale, South Fulton, Taliaferro, Toombs, Towns, Treutlen, Troup, Union, Walker, Walton, Warren, Washington, White, Whitfield, and Wilkes

5:55 p.m. – The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office has issued a shelter in place advisory via Friday morning.

5:45 p.m. – The metropolis of Atlanta has been spending the day clearing drains as heavy rains from Helene threaten to trigger widespread flooding. READ MORE

5:42 p.m. – The Spalding County Sheriff's Office experiences the next roadways are closed:

• Moon Rd Bridge
• 2217 Honeybee Creek Drive
• S McDonough @ Johnston (1-Lane)
• 164 S sixth St Ext (1-Lane)
• 108 Moose Lodge Rd
• 1054 County Line Rd
• E Maddox Rd

5:25 p.m. – Prepare your freezer and fridge now in case of an influence outage. Here's how.

5:20 p.m. – West Georgia is on the brink of hunker down for Hurricane Helene. Watch the report.

5:15 p.m. – Residents in Cobb County are making their closing runs to the shop to refill forward of the storm. Watch the report.

5:10 p.m. – The Florida Panhandle is bracing for Hurricane Helene which is now racing in direction of the coast. Watch the report.

5 p.m. – Helene stays a strong Category 3 storm, however is now racing in direction of the Florida Panhandle at 23 mph. The National Hurricane Center signifies the storm is strengthening. See the forecast below for full details.

4:30 p.m. – The FOX 5 Storm Team continues to trace Hurricane Helene, a Category 3 storm. New information is anticipated to be launched from the National Weather Service at 5 p.m. Stay with FOX 5 Atlanta for the most recent.

4:11 p.m. – The Gulf Coast of Florida is being battered with excessive surf, robust winds, and storm surge as Hurricane Helene passes offshore. The latest from the Tampa Bay area.

3:18 p.m. – A separate Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Clayton, DeKalb, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry counties till 9:15 p.m. Thursday. In these areas, FOX 5 Live VIPIR has been monitoring a half-inch to 1.5 inches of rain with an extra 1 to three inches of rain anticipated within the subsequent few hours.

3:11 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Butts, Monroe, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties till 9:15 p.m. Thursday. FOX 5 Live VIPIR signifies between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have already fallen on this space with one other 1 to three inches of rain anticipated throughout the subsequent few hours. Those residing close to waterways and different low-lying areas needs to be on alert. Those who must be on the roadway ought to maintain a watch out for road flooding. 

3:06 p.m. – Kroger is reassuring residents that its shops are well-prepared to satisfy the neighborhood’s wants. READ MORE

2 p.m. – Hurricane Helene intensified to a Category 3 storm. Read under for the most recent

1:34 p.m. – Gov. Brian Kemp and GEMA Director Chris Stallings held a press convention discussing the upcoming landfall of Hurricane Helene and its push into Georgia.

1:15 p.m. – Multiple Amtrak practice routes are canceled for the day resulting from Helene, together with these in Florida and Georgia. Customers with reservations on trains which can be being modified will usually be accommodated on trains with related departure occasions or one other day. Amtrak will waive further costs for patrons trying to change their reservation throughout the modified schedule by calling our reservation middle at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

12:58 p.m. – Fire departments in Gwinnett County are making ready for the opportunity of swift water rescues. The storm is anticipated to convey record-breaking rainfall to the metro Atlanta space, and emergency crews are gearing up for the worst. READ MORE

12:46 p.m. – Residents throughout south Georgia are making ready for Hurricane Helene, which is anticipated to convey robust wind gusts and heavy rain later this night. Emergency administration officers from Valdosta to Atlanta are monitoring the state of affairs carefully as communities brace for the storm’s arrival. READ MORE

11:59 p.m. – Georgia Power and different utility corporations throughout the state are making ready for outages. Here's how they're planning.

11:16 a.m. – President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Georgia, ordering federal help to affix the state and native emergency response groups efficient from Tuesday to an undetermined future date. The president’s motion permits the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate catastrophe reduction efforts and to offer assist with emergency measures.

10:52 a.m. – A “sinkhole” opened on Thursday morning in a parking zone at Chinatown Mall in Chamblee. READ MORE

10:45 a.m. – Helene is anticipated to influence Delta’s hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) because the storm strikes north, doubtlessly bringing tropical storm situations to the Atlanta space. A travel waiver has been issued for patrons touring to or from a number of airports impacted by Helene, together with ATL.

10:41 a.m. – Zoo Atlanta and a number of other different Atlanta space sights have introduced they are going to shut early on Thursday. Here's the total checklist.

9:31 a.m. – Flight disruptions are reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Tamapa International Airport.

What time is Helene imagined to hit land?

As of two a.m. on Friday, Helene was a Category 1 hurricane with most sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm was about 30 miles north of Valdosta, shifting north-northeast at 26 mph, the National Hurricane Center mentioned.

Hurricane power winds prolong 30 miles from the middle and tropical storm-force winds prolong out 310 miles.

SEE ALSO: Wednesday's storms small style of Hurricane Helene in Georgia

For Atlanta, Helene may very well be the worst strike on a serious Southern inland metropolis in 35 years, mentioned University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd. The harm may very well be higher resulting from an unrelated extreme storm that knocked down timber, blocking roads and taking down energy strains on Wednesday. Parts of the metro Atlanta space have already seen 2 to five inches of rain within the final 24 hours, resulting in increased threats of flooding.

Tropical Storm Warning for metro Atlanta

As of two a.m. Friday, Hurricane Helene was 185 miles south of Atlanta.

Warnings are in impact statewide for Hurricane Helene because it intensifies, with a specific focus on central and northern Georgia, together with the Atlanta metro space. Helene is anticipated to make landfall as a serious Category 3 hurricane, doubtlessly strengthening additional over the Gulf of Mexico, posing important threats to life and property within the area. 

Here is a complete replace on the anticipated impacts, timing, and preparedness measures for Atlanta and North Georgia. 

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings 

• Tropical Storm Warning: Portions of central and northern Georgia, together with Atlanta, are under a Tropical Storm Warning. Wind gusts of 39 to 70 mph are anticipated throughout the subsequent 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: Portions of Middle and Southwestern Georgia is under a Hurricane Warning, with anticipated wind gusts of 74 mph or increased, additionally throughout the subsequent 36 hours. This space will expertise probably the most extreme situations as Helene strikes inland.

Helene will arrive in southern Georgia in a single day as a powerful hurricane earlier than weakening to a tropical storm because it climbs northward in a single day Thursday into Friday morning. Calmer and drier situations will emerge by Friday afternoon throughout the area. 

Key impacts:

• Winds: Sustained tropical storm-force winds will probably have an effect on a lot of central and northern Georgia, with the Atlanta metro space anticipated to see gusts as much as 70 mph. Although these gusts can be intermittent, they pose a critical hazard because of the danger of downed timber and energy outages. NWS has highlighted a really excessive danger for widespread and prolonged outages, particularly in areas the place the bottom has already been saturated by earlier rainfall. Tropical storm-force winds are almost certainly to start round 3 a.m. on Friday throughout the Atlanta metro.

• Rainfall and Flooding: Heavy rain, with totals starting from 3 to six inches throughout a lot of the area, will exacerbate flash flooding considerations.  Heavy rainfall is anticipated to reinforce flash flooding dangers, particularly throughout main roadways just like the I-85 hall and the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. Urban areas in Atlanta, with restricted drainage, may see road flooding, street closures, and widespread disruption.

• Tornadoes: There is a heightened danger of tornadoes in southeast Georgia, the place probably the most extreme storm situations are forecast.

Preparedness and Action Steps

Residents throughout central and northern Georgia are urged to take rapid motion: 

• Secure Outdoor Objects: Bring in or safe gadgets that may change into projectiles in excessive winds.
• Monitor Flood Alerts: Stay knowledgeable on flash flood warnings and keep away from touring via flooded roadways.
• Power Outages: Prepare for prolonged energy outages by gathering provides, together with water, non-perishable meals, and batteries.
• Stay Informed: Get steady updates on the FOX 5 Storm Team Weather App, FOX Local streaming app, on our web site and on the air.

Helene emergency sources

Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this yr due to record-warm ocean temperatures. It forecasts 17 to 25 named storms, with 4 to seven main hurricanes of Category 3 or increased. 

Here are som further sources:

Watch vs. warning: Knowing the distinction 

In the world of meteorology, phrases like “watch” and “warning” are commonplace.  

A “watch” signifies the potential for a big climate occasion, resembling tornadoes, extreme thunderstorms, floods, or winter situations. It signifies that the substances for harmful climate are current, and it may develop shortly. National Weather Service specialists emphasize {that a} watch serves as a preparatory alert, encouraging people to remain knowledgeable and to plot security plans in case situations worsen. 

On the opposite hand, a “warning” is way extra pressing. It confirms that the perilous climate is both occurring or imminent, primarily based on sightings or radar proof. Warnings sign a time to take rapid motion to guard life and property. Whether it is taking shelter throughout a twister warning or shifting to increased floor throughout a flood warning, the response needs to be swift and decisive. 

A 3rd time period, “advisory” could also be issued to present a heads up a couple of climate occasion however doesn't rise to the standards of the opposite two. 

Meteorologists stress the significance of recognizing these alerts, as they're designed to offer well timed data that may stop lack of life and reduce damage. There are a number of methods to obtain alerts — resembling climate apps, radios, or textual content alerts — and to at all times err on the facet of warning when these notices are issued. 

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST BY DOWNLOADING THE FREE FOX 5 STORM TEAM APP AND FOLLOWING @FOX5STORMTEAM ON X, FORMERLY TWITTER

Atlanta climate: School closings

Hurricane Helene is impacting colleges and companies. Several excessive colleges are opting to maneuver their Friday soccer video games. Multiple faculty districts have opted to go digital. 

Atlanta and Fulton County colleges have each closed colleges on Thursday and Friday.

FOX 5 has a full checklist of closings, delays, and cancelations right here.

SEE ALSO:

Atlanta airport climate delays

In Atlanta, there's the chance that Helene will influence operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which may create a ripple impact on journey throughout the nation. 

Tampa International Airport is anticipated to shut at 2 a.m. Thursday, however it's not clear if Atlanta will formally shut.

Delta Air Lines says any rebooking made before Oct. 1 resulting from Helene could have the reserving payment waived. Tickets will need to have been bought previous to Sept. 25, 2024. 

Georgia Power crews mobilizing

Georgia Power is on the brink of deal with the approaching energy outages. Officials shared how they're mobilizing and gearing up.  

“They will see where the storm is going and they will be able to dispatch crews to the appropriate places where the outages are to get back on first,” mentioned spokesperson Matthew Kent. 

He says crews are able to face no matter Hurricane Helene brings to the state.  

“The most important thing we will be doing in the next 48 hours is we will be stationing our crews throughout the state. Many of them are already at headquarters throughout the state but we want to make sure they are in the right place to respond as quickly as possible,” Kent mentioned. 

He says whereas his crews get able to cope with the aftermath, now's the time to organize your loved ones and residential  

“Having enough supplies to maintain yourself. Having food and water and medication. All important things to have just in case the power goes out,” Kent mentioned. 

Other issues to do is to cost cell telephones, purchase further batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable gadgets in case of energy outage. 

“If your power does go out and you want to use a gas generator make sure you place it outside. It is an engine and it's producing fumes, so you don't want to have that inside,” Kent mentioned.  

The most vital factor is to by no means method downed strains. 

“Stay away from downed power lines. If it's on a fence or in debris they can still have energy flowing through the fence or debris,” Kent mentioned. 

Atlanta making ready for Helene

As Hurricane Helene approaches, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens introduced that every one nonessential metropolis staff can be working from residence via the top of the week. The metropolis is bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flooding, with public security companies and public works crews on excessive alert. 

“We want to assure our residents, businesses, and visitors that preparations are well underway in Atlanta to deal with Hurricane Helene,” Dickens mentioned throughout a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Atlanta Police Department, in partnership with Wellstar, has been working to tell unhoused residents concerning the storm, with overflow shelters deliberate at Selena Butler Recreation Center, Old Adamsville Recreation Center, and Central Park Recreation Center if essential. The metropolis can be taking steps to help its senior inhabitants forward of the storm. 

Transportation employees are actively clearing storm drains to stop flooding, whereas firefighters are making ready for potential water rescues. Crews are additionally on standby to take away fallen timber. In addition, all parks and recreation actions have been canceled via the top of the week. 

Public works and watershed administration groups have been working proactively to clear storm drains and monitor areas susceptible to flooding. The metropolis’s ATL 311 line will start working exterior of regular enterprise hours, beginning at midnight, to help residents. 

Local municipalities throughout Metro Atlanta are additionally making ready for the storm. Forest Park, which is under a Tropical Storm Warning, is taking precautions. “Your public safety staff—police and fire—are ready to respond to any incident,” mentioned Forest Park Fire Chief Latosha Clemons. “We’re ready to respond to our community.” 

For emergency alerts, Atlanta residents can textual content “Atlnotify” to 24639. 

Hurricane Helene preps in south Georgia 

It’s a race towards time in south Georgia As residents make their final minute preparations forward of Hurricane Helene. 

“I’ve been in so many of them. So, what I'm doing is preparing,” mentioned Valdosta resident, James Mobley. 

“It's going to be a massive storm. So, we can only brace for what's about to come,” mentioned AJ Duplessis, who simply moved to Valdosta. 

Duplessis packed sandbags in Valdosta on Wednesday to organize for attainable flooding. He’s no stranger to tropical hassle after residing in Louisiana and Florida. He moved to Valdosta this month and he’s not taking any probabilities. 

“You never know what may occur, despite of the category of the hurricanes, you never know how things may occur. So, you always want to be prepared,” he mentioned. 

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency warns that every one of Georgia's 159 counties must be on alert. 

“We're really worried about the wind threat and the potential to see hurricane-force winds as it comes into the south, into the county,” mentioned Meghan Barwick, Lowndes County EMA. 

That robust wind means Valdosta is making ready for widespread energy outages. While this space isn't any stranger to storms, officers are urging everybody right here to refill on meals and provides to be prepared. 

“We've had Hurricane Adelia on August 30 of 2023. We had Hurricane Debby just a month ago, and now we have Hurricane Helene. So, our community is really reeling from these storms,” Barwick mentioned. 

Many on this neighborhood are heeding the warnings and aren’t taking this storm calmly. 

“Stocked up on everything. I'm prepared. I got water, I got food, you know, and like I said, I got a generator. So, I'm prepared. It's not my first hurricane,” mentioned Mobley. 

GEMA prepares for Helene's influence on Georgia

As Hurricane Helene strengthens and nears landfall in Florida, Georgia officers are urging residents to finalize preparations, warning the storm will influence all 159 counties. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) pressured that the storm is shifting sooner than anticipated, shortening the time left to organize. 

GEMA Director Chris Stallings highlighted the urgency. “The timeline for everybody has been sped up. After tomorrow, you need to be prepared to hunker and shelter in place,” he mentioned. 

On Wednesday, GEMA officers supplied an up to date forecast for Helene, which is now anticipated to cross into Georgia as a Category 3 hurricane, with southern and central areas under hurricane warnings. Heavy rain, flash flooding, tornados, and widespread energy outages are anticipated. 

“We’re going to see some significant power outages, probably nothing like we’ve seen,” Stallings warned. He famous that the storm's ahead pace had elevated to over 25 mph, compounding the chance. “We had reports of a tornado that touched down in Habersham from this particular event, and we’ve already seen some power outages around the state…about 6,000 customers in Habersham.” 

In addition to tornadoes and energy outages, mudslides in north Georgia and flash flooding statewide stay important considerations. Stallings additionally introduced that the Georgia National Guard will deploy 250 guardsmen on Thursday, and an emergency response middle has been established in Macon. 

Georgia points State of Emergency

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency on Tuesday, permitting state companies to deploy sources as wanted. “The current forecast for Hurricane Helene suggests this storm will impact every part of our state,” Kemp mentioned. “We are not taking anything for granted, which is why I have directed appropriate state agencies to work around the clock.” 

Stallings echoed Kemp's name for preparation. “It is not safe to be out…it is extremely dangerous as we’ve seen through some of these storms the impact of what limbs and rocks and debris can do to somebody. Unfortunately, the majority of our loss of life during these events are trees falling on cars,” he mentioned. 

GEMA advises residents to organize for not less than 72 hours with out energy. Stallings urged residents to cost gadgets, put together emergency kits, and have plans in place to shelter in place. “Once the storm gets to you, you need to shelter in place,” he mentioned, including that basements are the most secure choice, and automobiles don't present satisfactory shelter.