Tropical storm warning in North Georgia: Helene, a life-threatening hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, is forecast to have a significant impact on our area in the next 48 hours. The storm is forecast to maintain hurricane strength as far inland as Macon, GA.

The difference in this storm: While our area is impacted by tropical depressions or remnants several times a year, full-strength tropical storms are both rarer and more powerful.

Potential impacts:

• Rainfall: 4-10 inches of rain, leading to flooding and flash flooding.

• Winds: Sustained winds and gusts over 40 mph.

• Severe weather: Possibility of severe weather and lightning.

• Falling trees: High winds and rain-saturated ground could cause trees to fall, impacting electric lines.

• Outages: Due to the size and duration of this storm, the potential for widespread and extended outages is high. NGEMC crews are on standby 24.7.365 and are storm ready.

Be prepared:

• Stay alert: Today and tonight. Be sure to have a way to receive storm alerts and warnings. Keep an eye on the weather.

• Have your kit ready to go: Find a packing list at ready.gov.

• Prepare for medical needs: In extensive and widespread outages, it takes time to restore power, and a backup source of power or a plan to evacuate those who are medically fragile to a facility with power is essential.

• Bear in mind: When trees fall, roadways may be blocked. Make sure you have a way to call for help ready to go. Keep cell phones and battery banks charged.

• Stay in touch: Check on friends, loved ones, and neighbors.

• Monitor restoration progress: Our live outage map is updated every 5 minutes.
  Storm track forecast from Weather.com