Emergency officials in northeast Georgia preparing for remnants of the Helene storm

By Access WDUN Staff

Posted 10:30AM on Wednesday 25th September 2024 ( 2 months ago )

Emergency management agencies for the state, and local areas of northeast Georgia are gearing up for what could be severe weather conditions from current Tropical Storm Helene, as it makes its way inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

On Tuesday, Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for all of Georgia with Georgia Emergency Managment (GEMA) Director James C. Stallings noting that their emergency centers are preparing to assist areas in need. Locally, other emergency managment agencies are also preparing for possible rain, flooding and wind damage.

Hall County's Emergency Management Director Zach Brackett issued a release to the public prior to Helene's impact. It states:

"Our preparations are guided by our local emergency operations plan and include monitoring forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service -Peachtree City. Our goal is to have all departments and staff prepared prior to the arrival of any storm impacts by ensuring appropriate staffing along with adequate supplies and fuel stores.

"Citizens should prepare by ensuring they are ready for power outages with alternative sources of light and power along with adequate supplies of food and water for a minimum of three days for each member of their household. They should make sure they have at least two ways to receive weather notifications, even if without power. Examples include a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio and they can also go to alerts.hallcounty.org to sign up for automated weather alerts on their phone. Before storm impacts begin, phones and any rechargeable items such as battery packs, flashlights, etc. should be fully charged and used only when necessary.

"The current track of the potential storm takes the center to our west which puts Hall County in an area of the storm that is ripe for spin up tornadoes that will have little or no warning if they occur. Citizens should have a safe location in the lowest level of their home that is centralized and away from windows in the event that these occur."

In White County, Director of Public Safety David Murphy adds that their department is doing everything it can to prepare for the Helena storm conditions, while having a live directory listing for its county's blocked streets and area facilities should the storm create treacherous issues.

‘‘It's always our priority for the safety and the well being of our residents,” Murphy said. “We are in close communication with the National Weather Service and other key agencies to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential impacts from this tropical storm.”

Division Chief for White County Emergency Services Don Strength said the department is potentially expecting heavy rains and winds in the area.

“These conditions could lead to localized flooding and downed trees, which may cause road closures and power outages,” Strength said. “ We're urging residents to be prepared now. Have an emergency kit plan for sheltering in place and stay informed through our updates as the situation develops.”

AccessWDUN will have updates with storm damages, power outages and road closures as weather conditions develop.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/9/1264045/emergency-officials-in-northeast-georgia-preparing-for-remnants-of-helena-storm