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Effects of Hurricane Helene in Georgia

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Georgia was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene during late September 2024, causing over 30 reported deaths and significant rainfall across the state. After making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on September 27, the hurricane began to traverse over land across Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane prior to tracking into the Appalachian mountain range as a tropical storm.

Effects of Hurricane Helene in Georgia
Satellite loop of Helene over the Appalachian region on September 27.
Meteorological history
DurationSeptember 26–27, 2024
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds110 mph (175 km/h)
Lowest pressure947 mbar (hPa); 27.96 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities33[1]
Damage$6.88 billion (2024 USD)
Areas affectedGeorgia
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
Effects

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Preparations

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The coast of Georgia was placed under tropical storm warnings. In contrast, Southwest Georgia was placed under a hurricane warning which extended as far north into the state as Spalding County, Georgia, and all tropical storm watches in Georgia were replaced with tropical storm warnings as far north as the Tennessee and Georgia state border. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City accidentally issued a hurricane warning for Jackson County, Georgia when it was supposed to be a tropical storm warning.[2][3][4]

In addition, on the night of September 26, an extreme wind warning was issued for portions of South Georgia, including Valdosta.[5] On September 24, in preparation for Helene, officials in the counties of Bryan, Candler, and Chatham began mobilizing emergency response centers.[6] Colquitt, Thomas, and Decatur counties opened shelters.[7] That same day, Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for Georgia since Helene was expected to track into the state.[8] In Thomas County, the Public Works Department began providing sandbags due to the storm.[9]

On September 25, schools were closed in the counties of Bibb and Twiggs.[10] Many schools in the Atlanta metro area canceled instruction for September 26 and 27, such as Atlanta Public Schools, with some counties moving students and non-essential workers online.[2] Elsewhere, in Clayton County schools, indoor and outdoor athletic events were canceled.[11] The Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Pulaski National Monument closed on September 25 in preparation for the hurricane.[12] Several attractions in Atlanta were closed on September 26 and 27, including Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium.[13]

The Atlanta Braves postponed the remaining two games in a series against the New York Mets to September 30 in a doubleheader.[14] 45 high school football games which were originally scheduled for the week of September 30 – October 6 were postponed due to several school closures.[15] Curfews were implemented by several localities on September 26.[16] Emory University moved classes online for September 26 and 27,[17] and the University of Georgia canceled classes entirely.[18] Ahead of the storm, vice-presidential nominee JD Vance canceled two events on September 26 for the 2024 Trump–Vance campaign scheduled in Macon and Flowery Branch.[19]

Impact

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Injuries and deaths were reported throughout the state. Six people died in Richmond County from falling trees.[20] Four people, a mother and her twin infants and another individual, died in McDuffie County.[21][20] A person was killed in Colquitt County after their vehicle crashed into a fallen tree.[22] Two deaths were reported in Laurens County when a person was killed by a tree falling on their house and the other person was killed in a car crash; and in Blackshear, a firefighter also died when a tree fell on their vehicle.[23] In Jeff Davis County, two people were killed by falling trees.[24] In Liberty County, one person was killed after a tree fell onto a camper.[25] In Washington County, a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were killed while trapped inside their home due to a tree hitting the residence, starting a fire.[26] In Columbia County, one person was killed after a tree fell onto their mobile home, and over 5000 homes in the county were damaged or destroyed.[27][28] In Pierce County, a firefighter was killed after a tree fell on his vehicle.[29] A tornado in Wheeler County resulted in two deaths when a trailer on SR 19 was picked up from a highway.[30] Agricultural losses throughout the state are estimated to be $6.46 billion, including $3.2 billion in direct losses.[31]

Piedmont

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In Atlanta, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued the city's first-ever flash flood emergency due to Atlanta having its heaviest 3-day rainfall totals in 104 years.[32][33] Rainfall totals over 48 hours in the city reached 11.12 in (282 mm), the most the city has seen in 48 hours since recordkeeping began in 1878.[34] About 25 people had to be rescued from floods in Atlanta. Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen was caught on live television saving a woman from her Toyota RAV4 with flood waters up to the windows.[35] Localized urban flooding was also reported on multiple interstates like I-285, I-85, I-75[36] and many other interstate systems encompassing Atlanta. More significant flooding occurred in Buckhead due to overflowing of the Peachtree Creek, which flooded multiple surrounding apartment complexes. Other flooding occurred in areas around Metro Atlanta.[37] At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 79 departing flights and 92 arriving flights were canceled, with delays in the hundreds.[38] All flights to Atlanta on American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines were grounded, with Lufthansa, Air Canada and WestJet also grounding flights.[39]

Coastal Plain

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During Helene, Bacon County saw gusts up to 100 mph (160 km/h). These winds caused at least 60% of the county to lose power. One home suffered severe damage after two trees fell through it.[40] In total, at least two dozen homes suffered major damage in Bacon County.[41]

The Golden Isles experienced tropical storm conditions due to Helene. In Brunswick, there were several reports of tree limbs damaging homes and businesses. A peak gust of 78 mph (126 km/h) was recorded in the region. In St. Simons, hundreds of trees were downed. One traffic-related fatality occurred in the portion of US 17 which passed through Glynn County.[42] The Dora F, which was one of the oldest shrimp fishing vessels operating in the East Coast, broke free from its dock in the Brunswick River and sank.[43]

In the town of Trinity, residents had no running water and no electricity.[44] At the peak of the storm, around 90% of the county's roads were blocked.[45] In Willacoochee, all of the entrances to the city were blocked. Two families were saved by officials after trees fell inside their homes and trapped them. Elsewhere, the main power line of SR 135 was damaged due to Helene.[46] A peak gust of 53 mph (85 km/h) was recorded on 1:50 am EDT on the 27th in a Weatherstem site.[47] All the county's residents were without electricity, with 75% being without water.[45] In total, just over 8 thousand people were affected by Helene.[44]

In Columbus, a daily rainfall record was set with around 4 in (100 mm) of rain on September 26. Wind gust in the city reached 38 mph (61 km/h), with gusts reaching 59 mph (95 km/h) in Macon, 76 mph (122 km/h) in Savannah, and 100 mph (160 km/h) in Augusta.[34][48][49]

Elsewhere

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Following the storm, hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia was either banned or discouraged due to intense damage on the trail.[50] Heavy damage also occurred in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.[51] Wind gusts in the northeast portion of the state were estimated to be at least 100 mph.[52] Strong winds heavily damaged at least 115 buildings in Valdosta.[53] The Willis L. Miller Library suffered heavy damage, and a weather station in the city recorded a gust to 83 mph (134 km/h).[54]

References

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  1. ^ "Hurricane Helene live updates: More than 200 dead as hope fades in search for survivors". NBC News. October 3, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Murry, Kenny (September 25, 2024). "The latest metro Atlanta school closings as Hurricane Helene enters Georgia". WABE. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  3. ^ Berg, Robbie (September 25, 2024). "Hurricane Helene Intermediate Advisory Number 9A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  4. ^ "Live Helene updates: Hurricane Warning issued for southwestern Georgia". Fox 5 Atlanta. September 23, 2024. Archived from the original on September 25, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  5. ^ @NWSTallahassee (September 27, 2024). "An extreme wind warning is in effect for Valdosta GA, Thomasville GA, Quitman GA until 2:00 AM EDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Speck, Emilee (September 24, 2024). "Georgia on alert as Helene expected to bring widespread impacts after crashing into Florida". Fox Weather. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  7. ^ Coleman, Jamiya (September 24, 2024). "Shelters to open in the Big Bend, South Georgia ahead of Hurricane Helene". WCTV. Archived from the original on September 25, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  8. ^ "Live Helene updates: Watches issued in Georgia as governor declares state of emergency". Fox 5 Atlanta. September 23, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Allen, Lenah (September 24, 2024). "Thomas Co. Public Works providing sandbags ahead of potential hurricane". WALB. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  10. ^ Lewis, Myracle (September 25, 2024). "See what schools are closed, delayed as Middle Georgia braces for Hurricane Helene". Macon Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  11. ^ "Hurricane Helene: List of school closings, after-school activities canceled in north Georgia". WSB-TV. September 25, 2024. Archived from the original on September 25, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  12. ^ "Hurricane Helene forces closures at national parks across the Southeast". Fox Weather. September 26, 2024. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  13. ^ "Tropical Storm Helene: Which attractions, events are closing in metro Atlanta". WSBTV. September 26, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Axisa, Mike (September 25, 2024). "Braves pushed back on rescheduling games vs. Mets as Hurricane Helene threatened schedule, per report". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  15. ^ James, Dylan (September 30, 2024). "GHSA may postpone football playoffs due to Helene". WSAV. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  16. ^ Amy, Jeff (September 26, 2024). "Overnight curfews imposed in south Georgia". AP News. Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  17. ^ Silva, Caroline; McCray, Vanessa; Hollis, Henri. "Georgia closings, event cancellations due to Hurricane Helene". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  18. ^ Mawn, Allison (September 25, 2024). "UGA closed Thursday and Friday for Hurricane Helene". The Red and Black. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Milman, Oliver (September 27, 2024). "Hurricane Helene blows climate deniers Trump and Vance off course again". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Helene kills at least 21 people across the CSRA, including 5 children". WRDW. September 26, 2024. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  21. ^ Shapiro, Emily; Brennan, David; Sarnoff, Leah; Reinstein, Julia (September 27, 2024). "Hurricane Helene live updates: 21 dead across the South". ABC News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  22. ^ "Hurricane Helene: Deaths, injuries reported in metro Atlanta, Georgia". Fox 5 Atlanta. September 27, 2024. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  23. ^ "Helene kills at least 6 in Florida, Georgia". firstcoastnews.com. September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  24. ^ Hughes, Rosana; Abusaid, Shaddi; Stevens, Alexis; Papp, Jozsef (September 27, 2024). "Deadly Helene passes through metro Atlanta as tropical storm". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  25. ^ Blackstone, Lydia (September 27, 2024). "7 confirmed dead as Hurricane Helene brings dangerous impacts to Georgia". WJCL 22. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  26. ^ "Helene's death toll rises above 40". The Guardian. September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  27. ^ "Helene kills at least 14 people across the CSRA, including 2 kids trapped in fire". WRDW. September 28, 2024. Archived from the original on September 28, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  28. ^ "County Impacts Associated with Hurricane Helene (2024)" (PDF). National Weather Service. October 31, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  29. ^ "Assistant Blackshear fire chief killed by falling tree while working during Helene". firstcoastnews.com. September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  30. ^ "2 killed after tornado touches down in Wheeler Co". WTOC. September 26, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  31. ^ Blake, Brittanye (October 14, 2024). "Georgia officials work to bring aid to farmers devastated by Hurricane Helene". www.walb.com. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  32. ^ Yablonski, Steven (September 26, 2024). "Helene continues deadly onslaught across Southeast, prompting first-ever Flash Flood Emergency in Atlanta". Fox Weather. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  33. ^ Oberholtz, Chris (September 27, 2024). "Watch: Fox Weather meteorologist rescues woman from rising floodwaters in Atlanta". WAGA-TV. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Hurricane Helene sets Columbus weather record. A statistical look at the storm's impact". Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. September 27, 2024. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  35. ^ Oberholtz, Chris (September 27, 2024). "Watch: Fox Weather meteorologist rescues woman from rising floodwaters in Atlanta". Fox Weather. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  36. ^ Saunders, Patrick. "Helene leaves 25 dead in Georgia, state of emergency declared in Atlanta". WABE. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  37. ^ "Water Rescue". Facebook.com. Newnan Coweta Scanner Traffic. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  38. ^ Raymond, Jonathan (September 27, 2024). "Atlanta Airport delays and cancellations from Helene impacts | Tracker". 11alive. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  39. ^ "Hurricane Helene: Closed airports and hundreds of flights cancelled could leave holidaymakers stranded". The Independent. September 27, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  40. ^ Stansfield, Anna (October 2, 2024). "Bacon County residents deal with the aftermath of Helene". WTOC. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  41. ^ "Bacon Co. EMA director discusses damage seen from Helene". WTOC. September 27, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  42. ^ Hall, Michael (September 27, 2024). "Helene blasts Isles, downs trees, knocks out power". The Brunswick News. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  43. ^ Hall, Michael (October 2, 2024). "Iconic Brunswick shrimp boat sinks during Helene". The Brunswick News. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  44. ^ a b Smith, Kayla (October 1, 2024). "'A little bit of relief': How the Tennessee Valley is providing Hurricane Helene relief". WHNT. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  45. ^ a b "Storm reports across South Georgia due to Helene". Albany, Georgia: WALB. September 26, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  46. ^ Isaac, Ashanti (October 2, 2024). "Resources available for Atkinson County victims of Hurricane Helene". Albany, Georgia: WALB. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  47. ^ County Impacts Associated with Hurricane Helene (2024) (PDF). National Weather Service. October 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  48. ^ Deem, John (October 4, 2024). "Helene shows growing reach of hurricanes well into Georgia and beyond, experts say". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  49. ^ "Weather Blog: Hurricane Helene breakdown". WRDW/WAGT. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  50. ^ Chen, Eve (October 2, 2024). "Hikers urged to avoid parts of Appalachian Trail after Helene damage". USA Today. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  51. ^ "Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest sustains Damages from Hurricane Helene". Sky963. October 3, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  52. ^ NWS Columbia (October 7, 2024). "After extensive storm surveys across the western half of our forecast area, we have produced a map of where we believe the strongest non-tornadic winds from #Helene occurred. It is important to note that the wind was not uniform and damage varies between locations. (1/2)". Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  53. ^ "South Georgia hit hard by Helene, rescue efforts underway". 11Alive.com. September 27, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  54. ^ US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Post Tropical Cyclone Reports". www.weather.gov. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
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