State and local authorities continued to warn citizens to take extreme precautions Thursday as Hurricane Helene is set to move into Georgia with anticipated tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains.
Between 4-8 inches of rain is predicted for the Cobb area as the hurricane moves inland from the Big Bend coastline of Florida, where it’s expected to reach landfall Thursday night as least as a Category 3 storm.
In addition, sustained winds in excess of 50 mph and gusts up to 60 mph could take place in the metro Atlanta starting late Thursday night and into Friday.
Emergency officials are urging citizens to prepare for flooding, heavy property damage and extended power outages in what could be life-threatening conditions.
“Due to the intensity and fast forward motion, unprecedented wind and flooding impacts, rivaling or exceeding those of Hurricanes Opal (1995), Irma (2017) and Michael (2018), are expected across the north and central Georgia,” the National Weather Service said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
Local response
Cobb government issued statements Thursday morning closing offices, including libraries, through Friday, and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid issued a countywide state of emergency to allow “the county to quickly access state and federal resources that may be needed after the storm passes.
“I encourage everyone to take precautions and avoid travel during the storm,” she said. “Forecasters are predicting high winds and heavy rainfall. With the amount of rain we’ve already received, flooding is likely. If you live in a flood-prone area, please assess whether it is necessary to relocate to a safer location.”
Cobb DOT crews will operate on 12-hour shifts starting Thursday night to handle calls about downed trees, blocked roads and flooding.
Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said the Cobb Emergency Management Agency will activate its Emergency Operations Center, “and a combined police and fire incident command will coordinate the emergency response. Additionally, 911 will increase its number of operators to manage the expected surge in calls and dispatch emergency responders.”
He added that “during the peak of the storm, anticipated on Friday morning, residents are asked to call 911 only for immediate emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, a list of contact numbers is available on the Helene Information page at cobbcounty.org.”
Latest conditions
The NWS said that the majority of Georgia has an “80-90 percent chance of seeing tropical storm force winds” from late Thursday afternoon until as late as Friday afternoon.
Those winds range from 38 mph to 73 mph.
“The strongest winds and wind gusts will continue to be found on the eastern side of the storm and may change with small wobbles in the forecast track,” the NWS message said.
Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide emergency, and hurricane warnings have been issued for southwest Georgia.
Cobb and most of the rest of Georgia are under a flash flood watch and a tropical storm warning until Friday afternoon.
Tornadoes also are expected to materialize during Helene’s onslaught into Georgia, and tornado warnings have been in effect in parts of south and middle Georgia Thursday afternoon,
The storm center is expected to pass over the metro Atlanta area by 7 a.m. Friday, but winds and rain from Helene will be arriving before that.
“The worst of the system is expected to arrive between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.,” the Cobb Emergency Management Agency said Thursday.
“With this being the case, the GREATEST risk is overnight. As you prepare to go to bed tonight, make sure any supplies you may need are in an easy to access area. Power outages may make it difficult to collect items after the storm system has arrived, so stage it TODAY before you may need it! Don’t forget to plan for small children and pets.”
The area has been watterlogged by 2-5 inches of rain thus far from unrelated rain showers since Wednesday, prompting further warnings for those living near creeks, streams, rivers and other bodies of water.
Water levels at Sope Creek in East Cobb were already surging to nearly five feet (see map).
Numerous local businesses in East Cobb were altering their schedules or closing early or cancelling activities.
Staying safe
Local and state authorities have been sending out messages on how to prepare for what could be catastrophic conditions for several days:
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include at least a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, necessary medications, a multi-tool, and a whistle. Don’t forget items like batteries, a manual can opener, and personal hygiene products.
- Secure Your Home: Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could be damaged or become projectiles. Check windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Charge power banks for devices and have extra batteries for flashlights. Consider investing in a generator if you live in an area prone to outages, and make sure you have candles and matches as backups.
- Avoid Floodwaters: Even shallow water can be dangerous, hiding debris or strong currents. Stay informed about local weather conditions and heed warnings from authorities.
- Know Evacuation Plans: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a go-bag ready with essentials like clothing, cash, and important documents. Discuss a meeting place with family in case you get separated.
Power outages
Gather emergency contact information for your electricity provider to report power outages, downed lines, etc., and to receive messages and alerts.
Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.
Contact info:
- Acworth Power – 770-293-9557
- Atlanta Gas Light – 877-427-4321
- Marietta Power – Emergency 770-794-5160
- Cobb EMC – Power Outage 770-429-2100, then press 3
- Georgia Power – 888-660-5890
- Greystone Power – 770-942-6576
Officials are warning that the outages could be extensive. Georgia Power offers additional tips:
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
Travel cautions
Authorities are asking citizens to avoid driving if at all possible on Friday morning, even on major roads, which are already struggling to absorb pre-Helene rains.
If you must drive, do not try to drive through a flooded area.
“Turn around, don’t drown! An estimated 2-3 inches of rain has already fallen due to unrelated storms,” Cobb EMA Said.
We can expect an additional 4-6 inches. This may present as flash flooding and may be extremely dangerous. DO NOT wade in storm water. Remember: 6 inches of water is enough to knock over a person and 12 inches is enough to carry a vehicle. Do not attempt to cross moving waters.”
Cobb EMA said the storm system from Helene is expected to clear out of the area by between 1-3 p.m. Friday.
Cobb government has provided a Helene information and resource page with updates and real-time storm information.
You can report storm damage by clicking this link.
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