ATLANTA - Hurricane Helene was upgraded to a Category 4 storm with 120+ mile per hour winds at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The storm continues to intensify as it nears landfall, which is expected on Thursday evening.
95.5 WSB Meteorologist Christina Edwards is tracking heavy rain arriving to metro Atlanta on Thursday afternoon with gusting winds as high as 60-80 miles per hour arriving late Thursday night and continuing through Friday morning. Brief, spin up tornados along and east of the track of Helene are possible.
Metro Atlanta and most of north Georgia is under a Tropical Storm Warning, according to GEMA officials.
Several metro schools have announced closures and digital learning days ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival including Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, and DeKalb County schools.
>>CLICK HERE for a list of school closings and digital learning days.
All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia is under a Flood Watch until Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service is warning that rivers, creeks and other flood-prone locations may see flooding. They are forecasting between four and eight inches of rain.
>> STAY WEATHER AWARE! Download the WSB Radio app and enable weather alerts for your area.
During a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, Governor Brian Kemp, GEMA, and other government officials reported to the public of their plans for preparations and response to the Category 3 hurricane for all 159 counties in Georgia.
“This will be a statewide event.” said Kemp. “This is one of the biggest storms we’ve ever had.” He mentions he is worried about widespread extended power outages, spin up tornadoes, flash flooding, and even the possibility of mudslides in the north Georgia mountains.
Kemp confirmed that officials feel certain they will be removing debris and clearing roads. He recommends that everyone prepare and be ready before nightfall and to hunker down once Helene arrives.
In anticipation of the storm, Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday. Additionally, President Joe Biden approved a “major disaster declaration” for FEMA to assist Georgia.
The worst of the storm will hit during the night hours, making it even more dangerous.
Officials announced Atlanta’s parks department has canceled all activities for Thursday and Friday but will have staff on standby 24/7 to deal with problems as they arise.
Officials for Delta Airlines, which is headquartered in Atlanta, say that any customer who experiences flight cancellations through Sept. 27 due to the hurricane are able to rebook future travel for free. The deadline to rebook is Oct. 1, officials say.
For more information about flight cancellations or delays, click here.
Mayor Dickens says all non-essential employees have been told to work from home.
Residents who live near creeks, streams and rivers in metro Atlanta are concerned that the waterways will flood from heavy rain brought by Hurricane Helene as it moves into Georgia overnight Thursday into Friday.
Those include neighbors living near Peachtree Creek in Buckhead. The residential area has a history of flooding near Bobby Jones Golf Course along Northside Drive.
“We live uphill a bit, so it’s not going to affect us, but some of those homes down along the creek may be affected,” neighbor Eric Laron said.
The creek level late Wednesday night was 13 feet, or about four feet below flood stage, but the creek could easily flood by Friday morning.
Here is what U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency says you should do before, during and after flooding if it occurs.
PREPARE FOR FLOODING
- Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.
- Be prepared if flooding is imminent. Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications.
- Download the WSB Radio app and enable weather alerts for your area to stay weather aware.
WHEN FLOODING OCCURS
- If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
- Do not walk through moving water.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
AFTER FLOODING
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.