Tropical storm Helene is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane as it approaches the Florida panhandle later this week.
The National Weather Service in Atlanta is forecasting plenty of heavy rain the storm moves inland north into Georgia, and has included Cobb County and much of Georgia in a flood watch starting Wednesday afternoon.
That watch period starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday and extends to 2 p.m. Friday, according to the NWS, which is predicting that those areas of the state in the watch could get between 4-7 inches of rain during that period.
The storm is expected to pass by the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday and is tracking toward the Florida coastal “Big Bend” area east of the panhandle. It could become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches landfall Thursday.
Here’s more from the NWS about the projected path of Helene and the likely conditions. More NWS-related links here.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency through Oct. 2, and the Georgia Emergency Management Association is urging citizens to prepare for “significant” power outages, downed trees and even tornadoes east of the main storm path.
The watch notice states that “widespread torrential rainfall is expected to then overspread the area on Thursday into Thursday night as Tropical Storm Helene approaches.”
Temperatures will be cooling as a result, with Wednesday’s high expected around 80. The chance of rain in the Cobb area is 70 percent, and between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain in expected.
On Thursday, more heavy rainfall is in the forecast, with a 90 percent chance of showers and a high in the low 70s. The wind also could gust up to 25 mph.
Friday’s chance of rain is around 50 percent, with highs in the high 70s.
The heavy rainfall amounts could cause rivers, streams, ponds and lakes to rise and pose dangers on the roads.
The NWS said late Tuesday that the metro Atlanta area is in the highest risk area for flash flooding Wednesday into Thursday (see map below).
Cobb government said Tuesday that the county DOT will have extra crews on stand-by to respond to flooded roads and emergencies.
Cobb Police on Tuesday issued the following preparedness message:
- 1. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock essential supplies, including water, food, and medications.
- 2. Secure Your Home: Safeguard outdoor items.
- 3. Prepare for Power Outages: Charge devices and have flashlights ready.
- 4. Avoid Floodwaters: Don’t walk or drive through flooded areas.
- 5. Know Evacuation Plans: Be ready to evacuate if advised by authorities.
Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.
Both electrical providers are encouraging their customers to enroll for text alerts and to receive other messages.
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