Tropical storm Helene was declared a hurricane on Wednesday as it approaches the Florida gulf coast, and emergency declarations for Georgia have been heightened for most of the state.
That includes a tropical storm warning covering most of metro Atlanta and north Georgia, by the National Weather Service. Helene is expected to make landfall in the “Big Bend” coastal area of Florida on Thursday, possibly as a Category 4 storm (130 mph winds).
“This could be an unprecedented event for north and central Georgia given the expected track and strength of Helene,” the National Weather Service in Peachtree City said in a briefing Wednesday around noon (you can watch it below).
That’s because forecasters say the storm, which has been fast-moving as it treks across the Gulf of Mexico, will continue to move quickly inland.
Tropical storm-caliber winds (45 mph to 55 mph) may include gusts up to 75 mph in some areas, according to the NWS forecast, with the greatest risk coming early Friday morning (overnight hours) through early Friday afternoon.
Tornadoes are possible for areas east of the storm path. Thus far, Cobb is not included in that likely area.
Cobb has been under a flood watch since 2 p.m. Wednesday, an alert that continues through 2 p.m. Thursday.
Light rain began falling in Cobb on Wednesday afternoon, unrelated to Helene.
But the storms and winds associated with Helene are expected to increase significantly.
The NWS is predicting that the center of the storm will pass over metro Atlanta as it moves further north, dropping between 4-7 inches of rain.
The high winds could be devastating, as local governments and emergency agencies are encouraging citizens to prepare for the worst.
That includes the possibility of property damage, long power outages, heavy flooding in waterways and on roads and scattered debris.
Cobb government is updating information and providing resources at this link; there’s no word yet on county closures.
The North Georgia State Fair in Cobb County has been cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is closed on Friday.
The Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park against the New York Mets also has been put on hold. Wednesday and Thursday games will be made up as part of a Monday doubleheader as the Braves trail the Mets by a game in a battle for a playoff spot.
Some metro Atlanta school districts are cancelling classes as well. The Cobb County School District is on fall break this week.
Cobb government said Tuesday that the county DOT will have extra crews on stand-by to respond to flooded roads and emergencies.
Here’s what local emergency authorities are asking citizens to do to prepare:
- 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.
Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.
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