GEMA warns of the potential for significant damage all across Georgia
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security (GEMA) has issued urgent warnings regarding Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm. GEMA Director Chris Stallings highlighted the likelihood of significant damage and widespread power outages across all 159 counties in Georgia. As the hurricane approaches, meteorologists, including State Meteorologist Will Lanxton, predict it may weaken to a Category 3 upon entering the state but will still produce considerable impacts, especially in extreme southern Georgia. Local emergency management agencies are actively preparing for the storm, with officials urging residents to take immediate safety measures. Reports indicate that Grady Memorial Hospital is already rescheduling elective procedures in anticipation of the storm's impact.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation, warning of heavy rainfall and increasing flood risks. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news updates and be ready for possible evacuations. The state is mobilizing resources to assist communities affected by the storm's devastation.