Hurricane Helene

State of Emergency

Governor Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties is Georgia in response to impending Tropical Storm Helene. Click here to see the executive order. 

Government Office Closures

A number of government offices will be closed on Friday, September 27, 2020. The list of closed offices may be viewed here.

Shelters

The following shelters are available for individuals in need of a secure location to ride out the storm.

Weather Update (8 a.m. 9/26/24)

Hurricane Helene is centered just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It is expected to rapidly intensify as it moves northward through the Gulf of Mexico over the next 24 hours. Helene is forecast to reach category 3 or higher strength before making landfall as a major hurricane along Florida's Apalachee Bay tomorrow evening. Southwest and South-Central Georgia are under a Hurricane Warning and should expect hurricane conditions to begin tomorrow evening, lasting through Friday morning. The rest of Georgia is under either a Tropical Storm Warning or Watch and should expect tropical storm conditions Thursday night through Friday morning.

This will be a major rainfall and wind event in Georgia on Thursday and Friday. The combination of several inches of rainfall and tropical storm or hurricane force wind gusts will cause trees and powerlines to come down all over Georgia, leading to extended power outages. Additionally, the potential for 8-12 inches of rainfall in North and Central Georgia, including all of Metro Atlanta, will lead to a significant risk of flash flooding on Thursday and Friday. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a rare High Risk (level 4 of 4) for flash flooding in Northeast Georgia – the same risk level issued for Hurricane Debby in Southeast Georgia last month. Most of the rest of Georgia is under a Moderate Risk for flash flooding from several inches of rainfall over the next 48 hours. There is also the potential for several tornadoes in Southeast Georgia, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing an Enhanced Risk (level 3 out of 5) for tornadoes on Thursday and Friday morning.

Heavy rainfall has already begun in Northwest Georgia and will continue across North and Central Georgia through this evening ahead of Helene. 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is forecast in Metro Atlanta and along the I-85 corridor through tomorrow morning. Heavy rain from Helene will move into southern Georgia tomorrow morning and afternoon ahead of the core of the hurricane. Conditions in South Georgia will rapidly deteriorate early Thursday evening and will not begin to improve until sunrise Friday. Conditions in North and Central Georgia will deteriorate later Thursday evening and will not improve until late Friday morning. The remnants of Helene will exit northern Georgia by early Friday afternoon. Pleasant weather is expected across Georgia this weekend with low rain chances and highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Shelters Opening Ahead of Hurricane Helene

To ensure the safety of residents ahead of Hurricane Helene, GEMA/HS will open shelters starting tomorrow. These shelters will provide a safe place for those in the storm's path to seek refuge.

Click here to view more information about shelter locations and availability.

Preparedness

As Hurricane Helene approaches, all Georgians must take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property. GEMA/HS is working closely with state and local partners to monitor the storm and coordinate emergency response efforts. Here’s how you can stay prepared and safe:

Stay Informed

• Monitor Official Sources: Keep up with updates from the National Weather Service, local news, and GEMA/HS. Follow us on social media for the latest alerts and guidance.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Ensure your severe weather notifications are turned on. Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county’s emergency management agency.
• Have a Weather Radio: A NOAA weather radio can provide life-saving alerts, even during power outages.

Make a Plan

• Know Your Evacuation Zone: If you live in a coastal area or near flood-prone zones, familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place.
• Create a Family Communication Plan: Make sure all family members know how to get in touch with each other and where to meet in case you get separated.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Charge all electronic devices, and have backup power options like battery packs and generators ready.

Build an Emergency Kit

• Essentials: Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.
• Include Special Needs: Don’t forget to pack supplies for pets, infants, elderly family members, or anyone with specific medical needs.

Secure Your Home

• Protect Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against high winds and flying debris.
• Clear Loose Items: Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and other items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Check Your Insurance: Review your homeowners’ insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane and flood damage.

Please visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/storms-disasters to prepare before Hurricane Helene makes landfall. 

Georgia State Parks Open for Evacuees Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene

The Department of Natural Resources State Parks & Historic Sites Division is prepared to take in displaced people and pets, including horses. State Parks outside of the path of the storm are open and available to displaced citizens. State Parks is housing 15 evacuees. For current information on park availability, including equestrian facilities, visit gastateparks.org/Alerts or call 1-800-864-7275.   

Lodging

Explore Georgia can assist in providing travel alerts and information during Hurricane Helene. Visit exploregeorgia.org/tropical-storm-helene-travel-alerts to obtain resources in finding hotels and lodging availability. The site can also offer assistance from their Visitor Information Centers and other important emergency resources. If you are concerned about your travel plans for existing reservations, contact your hotel directly.