Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for the entire state due to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
Kemp issued the executive order on Tuesday with Helene expected to become Hurricane Helene on Wednesday.
The storm is expected to make landfall Thursday evening along the Florida panhandle and Florida gulf coast areas and is currently projected to travel northeast, affecting areas across Georgia.
In Kemp’s order, he states that all resources of the state of Georgia will be made available to “assist in preparation, response, and recovery activities throughout the affected areas.”
The Georgia Department of Defense will also provide up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to be used in the effort to mitigate damage from Helene.
“Helene is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane in Florida Thursday evening,” Georgia Emergency Management Director James C. Stallings said. “Heavy rainfall will begin across Georgia as soon as Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”
Stallings added that they anticipate widespread power outages throughout the state with heavy rainfall in the north Georgia mountains, which will increase the likelihood of flash floods.
The provisions of the order became effective on Tuesday and will expire on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 11:59 p.m. unless renewed.
Stallings recommended to shelter in place, board up windows, and make sure mobile devices are charged with an extra power source through the storm.
