The tropical storm warning remains in effect as the National Weather Service expects Hurricane Helene’s impact to begin overnight as the storm makes landfall in Florida later today.
Forecasts now have the storm shifting eastward toward the central point over the Metro Atlanta area, but due to its size it’ll still have major potential for causing issues aplenty for local residents.
It is expected to come ashore around the Big Bend of Florida this evening as a major hurricane, and move northward into Georgia and the Tennessee and Ohio River valley area into Friday afternoon. It’ll lose strength by the time it reaches Northwest Georgia, but the area isn’t out of the woods as tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall are expected.
At least an inch of rain fell on the area on Wednesday as a front moved through from the west, saturating the soil after weeks of persisting drought conditions. Officials are expecting the area to get between four to eight inches of rain due to the storm, which is moving toward landfall fast through the Gulf of Mexico after forming earlier this week south of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The National Hurricane Center earlier this morning recorded sustained winds of 90 mph, and it is expected to strengthen to a Category 4 before it hits the Florida Panhandle and remain a hurricane as it moves over South Georgia.
Expect winds to arrive in the region around 8 p.m. as the storm moves northward, and impact the area overnight.
Take precautions
Due to the heavy rains and winds, trees are likely to fall and cause power outages. Be prepared for widespread and extended outages across the area overnight and into Friday. Officials are expecting power outages to take longer than normal to repair due to the likelihood of widespread damage across the region and in Metro Atlanta.
PLEASE REMAIN INDOORS DURING STORMY WEATHER. Now is not the time to play the role of Jim Cantore, and the potential for being injured by flying debris in high winds is possible. Stay dry and safe inside.
DO NOT DRIVE DURING THE STORM. Unless it is an absolute life-threatening emergency, driving during severe weather is always a risk that could endanger yourself, others on the roadway and first responders who are responsible for helping those who get hurt during incidents.
DO NOT DRIVE IN WATER COVERED ROADS. The potential for waters to be deeper than the roadway is likely, and your vehicle can stall if running into too deep of water and leave you stranded during potential flood conditions. Detour around any water-covered roadways to avoid issues.
DO NOT CALL 911 UNLESS IT IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY! Operators will be busy coordinating information for first responders, and will not
Have a disaster preparedness kit on hand with enough supplies for at least three days of no power. Ensure it has a food and water, a first aid kit, light sources, batteries, a weather radio, and changes of clothes for you and your loved ones.
