The Washington County Emergency Management Agency is stressing safety as the effects of Hurricane Helene close in our on local community.
“Helene’s magnitude poses significant risks of widespread devastation,” said Russell Riner, Washington County EMA Director. “In the midst of the storm, we advise against travel to ensure public safety and help facilitate emergency response.”
According to the National Weather Service, the worst portions of the storm will occur late Thursday and early Friday. Wind gusts will range from 45 to 70 mph and rainfall totals will amount 4 to 7 inches in Washington County. There is a moderate risk of stemming tornadoes.
A flash flood warning has been issued in southeastern Washington County, specifically for Tennille, Davisboro, Riddleville, and Harrison. Flash flooding is expected near small creeks, streams, and low-lying areas but also in more urban areas on highways, streets, and places with poor drainage.
Still fresh off the heels of Category 1 Hurricane Debby just last month, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Florida ‘Big Bend’ late on Thursday as a Category 3 Hurricane. Meteorology experts say that the potential of Helene reaching Category 4 status remains a significant possibility.
Over the course of only 72 hours, Helene quickly ascended from a threatening Tropical Depression to a major impending Hurricane.
On Tuesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties, which allowed for the mobilization of resources, the ban of price gauging, and the loosening of certain regulations so the state can better respond to impacts from the storm. 500 members of the Georgia National Guard were activated and readied to respond to potential tragedy.
“During the storm’s impact, Washington County roadways may become impassable due to debris and flooding. Please be prepared for a potentially overwhelmed 911 system,” said EMA Director Riner. “Persistent dialing for emergencies may be necessary. Multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and volunteers will be on duty to respond to all incidents.”
Director Riner states that it is best to directly contact your power provider concerning outages in an effort to keep 911 lines open and available for emergencies.
Schools in Washington County are also properly preparing to secure the safety of students.
Washington County Public Schools will observe early dismissal on Thursday
Today, car rider dismissal begins at 11:30 a.m. for WACO Public Schools. Buses will begin routes at 12:00 p.m.
All Washington County schools will be closed on Friday. Students will have at-home assignments to complete.
Brentwood School previously scheduled a mid-day release of students for Thursday. Instead, this morning the school opted to cancel all classes for today and tomorrow.
The Washington County EMA is asking the public to be prepared for potential spin-off tornadoes, downed trees and power lines, flooding, and other major impacts from Hurricane Helene.
“In case of flooding, do not drive or walk through standing water or drive around barricades. Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock,” said Director Riner. “If a tornado warning is issued, storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If an underground shelter is not available, go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest possible floor.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation East-Central District has placed their entire 256-employee maintenance workforce on call.
Crews are currently scheduled to ride roads beginning Friday morning to clear routes, as needed.
With the potential of wind knocking down and damaging traffic lights, signal shop employees are creating new traffic signal heads to install. If power goes out, generators will be used to turn on traffic lights at high priority intersections throughout the district.
Motorists who encounter a flashing red light or non-operational signal should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Sandersville City Hall and all non-emergency departments will close at noon on Thursday and remain closed through Friday. For customers experiencing utility outages, call 478-552-2525, listen for the correct prompt and leave a detailed message including your name, address, phone number, and nature of the call. An after hours on-call technician will be dispatched.
The City of Sandersville Electric Department and Washington EMC are also monitoring the situation and expecting possible power outages. They are making preparations to quickly and effectively respond and restore power. The public is reminded to never touch a downed power line.
It is highly encouraged that all citizens register to receive CodeRED weather alerts to their cell phones. Enroll in the safety update calls and texts by texting ‘AlertWashingtonCo’ to 99411.
The Washington County Farm Bureau is reminding local citizens of important tasks to complete prior to the arrival of the storm.
1.) Stay informed. There are many reliable apps on smart phones that will keep individuals up to date with weather alerts, but a battery-operated radio is also ideal to have in case of power outages.
2.) Secure outside items that could be blown around by wind. Grills, patio furniture, trash cans, trampolines, and toys should be tied down or brought indoors.
3.) Turn refrigerators and freezers to the lowest setting. This should help keep food colder and help it to last longer in case of a power outage.
4.) Unplug expensive electronics to guard against lightning and power surge.
The Washington County Farm Bureau also advises citizens to adhere to the following measures during a storm.
1.) With the potential of extreme wind damage and flooding, bring pets inside.
2.) Stay off the roads. But if one must travel, be on the lookout for flash flooding. Avoid areas that have standing water and pay attention to downed power lines and falling trees.
3.) If under a tornado watch or tornado warning, remember that a “watch” means a tornado is possible and a “warning” means that a tornado has been spotted and shelter should immediately be taken.
4.) If one is experiencing strong winds in the area, avoid windows, doors and electrical equipment.