RELATED: An updated list of school closures and event postponements.
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Helene will make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast near Apalachicola on Thursday evening as a Category 3 storm. Surrounding states, including Georgia, should expect high winds, heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Metro Atlanta is under a tropical storm warning, with the potential for up to 12 inches of rain in some areas.
For current watches and warnings from the National Weather Service, click here. Further NWS weather advisory information is available for metro Atlanta and Southwest Georgia.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) has information on how to secure property and more ahead of hurricanes and tropical storms, read more here.
For more information about the storm, follow this blog or GPB.org/Storms for updates.
Need to know information: In Atlanta, call 311 to report non-emergency incidences of trees down or blocking roadways and non-emergency flooding incidents. For Power outages or down power lines, call Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938.
In DeKalb County, call 911 for emergencies including localized flooding, down trees and down power lines. Call 404-294-2911 for non-emergencies. For water outages and sewer spills, call 770-270-6243. For power outages, call Georgia Power.
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2:00 p.m.
Gov. Brian Kemp held a press conference this afternoon updating efforts by state agencies to respond to approaching Hurricane Helene. Kemp said he is expecting statewide power outages, flooding and debris.
“I urge people to make final preparations as the storm approaches the state,” Kemp said. “We will respond with full force as soon we are able to do so.”
Kemp said 200 members of the Georgia National Guard have already been activated and 500 or more could be called up. All Georgia State Patrol troopers are on-duty and 120 ranger teams from the Department of Natural Resources are also being staged throughout the state.
The state has already opened eight emergency shelters in the state, mostly in South Georgia, and 215 Florida evacuees are already in them. The Red Cross is preparing to set up additional shelters in the state as needed.
Thousands of state agency personnel are staging across the state to remove debris, downed trees, deliver critical supplies, and participate in urban search and rescue.
Kemp said he also expects that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will have to shut down at some point tonight.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:05 p.m.
Atlanta has been placed in the higest risk level – level 4 of 4 – for flooding rainfall due to Hurricane Helene.
According to CNN, the rare high risk area extends from the Florida Panhandle, through many major population centers in Georgia and into the mountains of western North Carolina.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 12:20 p.m.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Georgia on Thursday morning, according to The Associated Press. Earlier this week, he issued a similar declaration for Florida so federal authorities could position generators, food and water, along with search-and-rescue and power restoration teams.
Georgia Power said in a press release that it is making its final preparations to respond to anticipated widespread damage and potential for extended power outages across the state. More than 10,000 personnel are on the ground currently and additional staff from sister company Mississippi Power are also staging in the state.
“Helene is a very large storm, moving into South Georgia with very little time to substantially weaken, and we expect the high winds and heavy rain to cause significant damage in many of our communities,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Our teams are well trained and experienced, and we’ve been watching this storm and making every preparation throughout the week. As conditions are safe, our teams will be in the field working to restore power as quickly possible. Even so, we encourage customers to keep safety first in the coming days and prepare for the potential of power outages that could last multiple days due to the size and extensive reach of this storm.”
Thursday, Sept. 26 at Noon
The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Helene is nearly at Category 3 strength as it churns through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. CNN reports that some beach communities in south Florida are already experiencing flooding. The storm is moving to the north-northeast at 14 mph and just after 10 a.m. was about 290 miles south of Apalachicola.
United Airlines has suspended flights to four Florida airports due to Hurricane Helene: Tampa International Airport, Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport, Key West International Airport and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
There were more than 1,000 flight cancellations across the United States as of 11 a.m., according to FlightAware.
GPB’s Sofi Gratas reports that flood warnings have been issued for many parts of Georgia and a tornado watch has been issued for South Georgia.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Georgia Power is already reporting more than 5,000 customer outages across the state as of 10:15 a.m. with Helene still hours away from arrival.
Our GPB colleague Greg Blankenship is reporting that out-of-state electrical utility trucks are already staging in areas around the state, including Macon.
You can track and report outages on Georgia Power’s outage map.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m.
CNN is reporting that the storm duration in Atlanta will last from 10 p.m. tonight until 2 p.m. on Friday. Peak winds could ranges from 50 to 75 mph from Friday at 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Stronger winds are expected on the east side compared to the west side of the city. Rainfall could measure 5 to 8 inches.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10:00 a.m.
The National Weather Service of Atlanta shared a post on X that a tornado watch has been issued for areas in Georgia and South Carolina until 9 p.m. tonight. Meanwhile, FlightAware currently shows over 100 flight delays and over 100 flight cancellations so far Thursday at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Rough Draft is hearing reports of supermarket shelves starting to empty of essential items. Last night, two of our reporters were at the Kroger and Publix on Ponce de Leon Avenue and witnessed empty water and bread shelves.
The AJC reports that the Kroger on Glenwood Avenue has dwindling supplies of water and bread this morning, as well as long lines.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9:00 a.m.
GPB’s Grant Blankenship reports that GEMA/HS will open shelters in South Georgia ahead of Helene. 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. See the shelters on a map here.
The Georgia DOT is warning of significant impacts on the state’s roadways. According to a press release, motorists can expect detours and road closures due to debris, downed trees and power lines and potential roadway flooding as the department responds to the weather event. Be sure to follow 511GA for up-to-date road closures. Motorists are also reminded that in the event that a signalized intersection has no power, treat that intersection as a four-way stop.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8:20 a.m.
Hurricane Helene strengthened to a Category 2 storm this moring with sustained winds of 100 mph with higher gusts. The storm is expected to intensify throughout the day and make landfall near Apalachicola as a Category 3 or potentially Category 4 later today.
Tropical storm conditions have already begun in the Florida Keys and portions of south Florida, and these conditions are expected to spread northward across the state and into Georgia and South Carolina through tonight, according to the National Hurricane Center.
CNN reports that more than 800 flights have been canceled nationwide due to the approaching storm.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:38 a.m.
According to FlightAware, 84 flights in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have been canceled today due to Helene. Track your flight here.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6:15 p.m.
CNN is reporting that Hurricane Helene is forecast to reach catastrophic Category 4 strength when it makes landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 5:40 p.m.
Mayor Andre Dickens said at a Wednesday, Sept. 25, press conference that the city of Atlanta is prepared for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential floods from Hurricane Helene.
The preparation includes a 24/7 staffing plan, activated emergency services and prepared shelters for the unhoused. Response teams, including the Department of Watershed, are monitoring flood-prone areas. The department has already cleared storm drains to mitigate flooding. Various departments are also coordinating tree and storm debris removal.
“We’re seeing the effects of heavy rains that are coming our way,” Dickens said. “We have to get prepared for whatever may come, so we prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
Read the full story here.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
We’ve got a list of school closures and event postponements at this link and will be constantly updating it as Helene approaches.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Grady Hospital issued a statement notifying the public that it will remain open for operations regardless of the severe weather in the area:
“We are aware of the severe weather expected in our area due to Hurricane Helene. The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, all of Grady’s clinics and neighborhood health centers will be closed starting Thursday, September 26, at Noon and remain closed on Friday, September 27. All elective and non-urgent procedures scheduled for Friday, September 27, will be rescheduled for a later date.
Grady Hospital will remain open and operational regardless of severe weather conditions. Grady’s leadership and emergency management team will closely monitor the latest weather developments.”
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 4:25 p.m.
Atlanta Public Schools has cancelled classes for Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Updates and tips from Georgia Power and the Red Cross
From GPB’s Orlando Montoya:
Hurricane force winds are now possible as far north as Macon as Georgia braces for Hurricane Helene.
The National Hurricane Center’s latest update has the entire state under hurricane or tropical storm warnings or a tropical storm watch.
The heaviest winds are expected Thursday night into Friday morning.
That will come after a front drops heavy rain today, making the ground wet and setting the stage for widespread power outages when the winds arrive.
John Kraft is the media spokesman for Georgia Power.
“It’s appropriate to call 911 if you see a downed power line,” he said. “We also caution residents who want to get out and start cleaning up storm debris to watch for downed wires that could be tangled in trees, fallen trees, lines that could be hidden in submerged water that could still be energized.”
The Red Cross is urging residents to prepare for three days without power.
Suzanne Lawler is the organization’s spokesperson in Georgia.
“Charging cellphones may become hard if you lose power,” she said. “So all of those phone numbers that we have in our phones and we just push a button and they just dial somebody, that may not happen in a storm. So you want to write down people’s phone numbers. Any important phone numbers that you have in your phone, write them down right now and have that with your important documents.”
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m.
Some schools have already cancelled classes or events ahead of Helene’s arrival: Banks County Schools (closed Thursday and Friday); Clayton County Schools (indoor/outdoor events cancelled for today and Thursday); Hall County Schools (virtual classes Thursday and Friday); and Muscogee County Schools (closed Thursday and Friday).
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1:00 p.m.
An important update from Atlanta Watershed Management:
Due to a strong low-pressure system that may produce heavy rainfall, high winds, and potentially localized flooding, it is vital that Atlanta residents keep a close eye on local weather advisories. Residents should take the necessary precautions if they are under a flood warning or encounter flood conditions.
- Find safe shelter right away.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. The water can be contaminated or electrically charged. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.
- Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
For more information, please visit www.ready.gov/floods#prepare.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 12:40 p.m.
Tune into GPB.org at 5 p.m. today to watch the GEMA press conference about Hurricane Helene.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 12:35 p.m.
An update from GPB’s Sofi Gratas on how Hurricane Helene might affect Georgia’s peanut crops:
By late Tuesday afternoon, Jeremy Kichler with the University of Georgia Extension Office in Southwest Georgia’s Colquitt County, said he had farmers coming to him with peanut crop samples.
“To have the maturity checked on them,” Kichler said.
If they’re mature, Kichler says farmers will likely harvest crops up until the storm hits to stem potential losses.
“That’s the big question that we have right now is when to dig, if to dig, and you know, how far off from optimum maturity they are,” Kichler said.
Georgia peanuts are a multi-million dollar crop for the state. Cotton, a billion dollar crop, is also at risk with the storm though mostly if the white, fluffy bolls are already exposed.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 11:15 a.m.
Helene was upgraded to a hurricane just before 11 a.m. this morning. The latest forecast for Georgia shows the entire state under various watches and warnings as the hurricane moves up Florida’s Gulf Coast and eventually to Georgia and parts of the Southeastern US.
This image from the National Weather Service shows hurricane warnings in dark red, hurricane watches in bright red, tropical storm watches in pink, flood watches in green and high wind watches in gold. Visit weather.gov for your local forecast.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m.
GEMA held a press conference to give the state of Georgia’s first official response to Tropical Storm Helene. GEMA Director James C. Stallings led the conference with a few updates on the storm and how the state is preparing to respond to the storm.
“GEMA and Homeland Security is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene’s forecast and working with state and local partners to ensure that resources are available when needed,” he said. “We have prepositioned response teams and equipment to quickly address emergencies as they arise.
Stallings shared that Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for all Georgia counties.
“That makes the state resources available to all local governments and entities within the storm’s potential impacted area,” he said.
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify quickly into a major hurricane tomorrow morning and become a major hurricane at Category 3 or stronger by Thursday.
“Heavy rainfall will begin across Georgia as soon as Wednesday night into Thursday morning,” Stallings said. “Heavier rain will start to overspread the state throughout the day and on Thursday. The heaviest impacts for us will be in Southern Georgia and we expect those to enter the state early with heavy rain and strong wind.”
He explained how this storm is very different than the most recent Hurricane Debby which he says was “a very slow, heavy rain event.”
“This is going to be a fast moving wind event with rain and so we anticipate a very different response,” he said.
Georgians in certain parts of the state can possibly expect high force winds, down tress causing power outages, flash flooding, tornadoes, and more. North and Central Georgia can expect to see major impacts as early as Friday morning to Friday afternoon.
Stallings encourages those wanting to stay up to date with information to follow official GEMA social media accounts.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at noon
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued a statement urging farmers and producers to prepare for the severe weather coming from Tropical Storm Helene.
“Our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Helene in coordination with GEMA and other state agencies,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “To Georgia farmers and producers in the potential impact zone – now is the time to prepare and make a plan to keep your family and your farm safe. As the storm approaches, we urge all Georgians in its path to remain vigilant and follow a trusted news source for updates.”
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 11:30 a.m.
The National Hurricane Center provided an update with the latest news on what is now Tropical Storm Helene. NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says the storm has acquired enough organization to be classified a tropical storm instead of being classified a Potential Tropical Cyclone No. 9.
He explained the storm will approach the Florida peninsula as a major storm on Thursday.
“It is going to be a big storm — and by ‘big’ I mean not intensity; I mean size,” he said. “And big storms cause big problems.”
Rhome says those in states like Georgia, South Caroline and Alabama can expect more updates on the storm in subsequent updates.
In the excessive rainfall outlook, he says surrounding states, including Georgia, can expect to receive heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
“We could see a potential big rain event unfolding for you.”
Monday, Sept. 23
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, a disturbance located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and headed into the Gulf of Mexico. The organization forecasts over the next seven days that the weather system has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical storm and, potentially, a hurricane.
If that happens, its name will be “Helene.”
As of Monday, Sept. 23, the National Weather Service reported the system, southwest of Cuba, is moving toward the north near 6 mph (9 km/h). A northwestward motion is expected on Tuesday and Tuesday night, followed by a faster northward or north-northeastward motion on Wednesday and Thursday.
“On the forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico during the next couple of days,” the agency predicted. “Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and the system is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday and continue strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.”
A map of the potential storm cone (see image above) predicts that the center of the cone will cross the Florida panhandle through the center of Georgia, potentially bringing heavy rains and strong winds on Thursday and Friday.
