Community Updates: Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene Track

Update #3 as of Sept. 26, at 5:45 p.m.

FOREST PARK, Ga. — Sept. 26, 2024 — All non-essential city offices will remain closed tomorrow, Sept. 27. All essential staff are in place and ready to respond. City officials are encouraging all residents to make any final preparations, gather essential supplies and closely follow any local advisories or emergency directives from authorities.

Due to the inclement weather approaching the metro Atlanta area overnight, WM will NOT run residential service on tomorrow, Sept. 27. Routes will be serviced on Saturday, Sept. 28. Residents are asked to bring their trash carts inside today, Sept. 26, to prevent trash and/or debris from spreading.

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Update #2 as of Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m.

FOREST PARK, Ga. — Sept. 25, 2024 — In light of severe weather expected from Hurricane Helene and following guidance from the Forest Park Emergency Management Office, all non-essential city offices will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 26. This decision was made with the safety of our residents and employees being the city's utmost priority, as the incoming storm is forecast to bring significant winds, heavy rainfall and potentially hazardous conditions.

The Executive Offices and Senior Executive Cabinet will reassess the situation tomorrow to determine whether non-essential offices will remain closed on Friday, Sept. 27. City officials are encouraging all residents to prepare their homes, gather essential supplies and closely follow any local advisories or emergency directives from authorities.

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FOREST PARK, Ga. — Sept. 25, 2024 — Hurricane Helene is expected to become a major hurricane and is forecast to make landfall during the evening hours of Thursday, Sept. 26, along areas of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region. The storm system will likely be large in size, so impacts will extend far beyond the storm center and begin well before the storm center arrives in the forecast area.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene may produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of north Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp has also declared a State of Emergency in the State of Georgia due to the potential negative impacts of Hurricane Helene.

 

NOTABLE CHANGES TO THE TRACK SINCE YESTERDAY

  • The track of the storm has taken a left turn (west), putting much of metro Atlanta, which includes Clayton County, under "worst-case" impacts due to winds, rainfall and possible flooding.
  • Higher rainfall totals (nearly double in some areas).
  • Heavy rain later today/tonight ahead of Helene could act to enhance flash flooding across our area (I-85/metro Atlanta).

 

TIMING/THREAT WINDOW

  • Today and Tonight: Heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding (not associated with Helene) is expected across portions of north and central Georgia, especially roughly along the I-85 corridor.
  • Thursday and Friday: Helene will bring heavy rainfall, tropical storm force winds and the potential for short-lived tornadoes.

 

LOCAL IMPACTS

  • Helene will bring heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Life-threatening flash flooding and/or river and stream flooding can be expected.
  • The previously issued Flood Watch remains in effect across the entire forecast area until 2 PM Friday.
  • A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued and is in effect across our forecast area until Friday morning.
  • The metro Atlanta area now has a 6 in 10 chance of seeing tropical storm force wind gusts (>39 mph). There is also a very high risk for downed trees and powerlines that could lead to widespread and extended power outages.

 

SUMMARY

  • This could be an unprecedented event for the metro Atlanta area given the expected track and strength of Helene (comparable to the September 2009 flood and Hurricane Irma in 2017).

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES FOR INDIVIDUALS 

  • Identification: Government-issued ID, copies of important documents (insurance policies, medical records, passports, etc.) 
  • Cash: Due to expected power outages, ATMs may not be working; small bills are best. 
  • Clothing: Enough for several days, including sturdy shoes and rain gear. 
  • Food and Water: Non-perishable food items and at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. 
  • First-Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, prescription medications, hand sanitizer etc. 
  • Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, etc. 
  • Flashlights: Be sure to secure extra batteries. 
  • Communication Devices: Fully charged cell phone with backup battery, emergency contact list. 
  • Entertainment: Books, cards, or small games to pass the time.
  • Baby Supplies: If applicable, bring diapers, formula, and other necessary items.
  • Pet Supplies: ID tags, vaccination records, food, water ID tags, vaccination records, food, water.

 

STAY INFORMED

As the storm approaches, the Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services Department will be actively monitoring and executing the city's emergency preparedness plan. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the city's CodeRED emergency notification system. In the event of an emergency situation, the city uses CodeRED to send mass notifications by phone, email and text to keep citizens informed. Individuals can sign up by clicking here.

 

 

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