October 13, 2024
ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia on Tuesday with Tropical Storm Helene expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane Thursday night.
On Wednesday, the governor activated the State Operations Center in anticipation of the storm's arrival.
Forecasters expect Helene to make landfall along the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle late Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane before moving into Georgia early Friday. The fast-moving storm is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
“The current forecast for Hurricane Helene suggests this storm will impact every part of our state,” Kemp said. “We are not taking anything for granted, which is why I have directed appropriate state agencies to work around the clock to ensure we’re prepared for whatever is heading our way.”
An executive order Kemp issued Tuesday directed up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to help with preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Federal rules and regulations limiting operating hours for commercial truck drivers will be suspended to let an uninterrupted supply of goods and services be dispatched to areas in need of assistance.
“We’ve prepositioned resources, enhanced communication channels and are advising residents to stay informed and take the necessary precautions,” said Chris Stallings, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. “Our team is ready to respond to emergencies and assist communities as needed.”
Georgia Power and the state’s Electric Membership Corporations were preparing personnel and resources to respond to potential power outages later this week.
The Georgia Department of Transportation advised motorists Wednesday to avoid non-essential travel, particularly following the storm when roads may still be affected by debris and could be impassable.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warned Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams in anticipation of Helene.
