We’re keeping you updated on the preparations happening in our Southeast Georgia counties ahead of Hurricane Helene.
Gov. Brian P. Kemp directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) in preparation for Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday.
Recommended Videos
He declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties, enabling emergency management teams to make necessary arrangements and position needed resources ahead of the storm’s impact.
Kemp has also asked FEMA to grant Georgia an emergency declaration to further marshal resources and deploy them where most needed before, during, and after the major weather event.
Currently, southeast Georgia counties are under a tropical storm warning, which means tropical storm force winds can be expected in the next 36 hours.
Glynn County
Glynn County and the City of Brunswick are initiating protocols to jointly prepare for the arrival of potentially heavy winds and rain associated with the possible impact of Hurricane Helene on the Golden Isles later this week.
Key Points for Glynn County:
- Wind Threat: Tropical storm force wind (20-30mph with gusts up to 45mph this afternoon, and then 30-40mph winds with gusts up to 60mph later in the evening).
- Storm Surge: Locally, water levels could rise up to 4 feet above ground level in flood-prone areas of the Glynn Counties.
- Flooding Risk: Glynn County is at risk for localized flooding, with rainfall between 2-4in. Tidal flooding, especially during high tide, may affect low-lying areas.
- Tornado Risk: Tornadoes may develop from midnight Thursday to sunrise Friday, particularly along the coast and near the storm track.
- Marine Conditions: Coastal waters may experience dangerous conditions.
- Storm duration time increased to 12-14 hours beginning 3 p.m. Thursday
Agencies from both Glynn County and Brunswick are mobilizing; while all are asked to bring their own sandbags and shovels, to assist citizens of each, free sand and sandbags will be available beginning Wednesday morning at three locations:
- Fire Station #3 at 3129 4th Street, Brunswick
- North end of parking lot of Harold Pate Building, 1735 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
- St. Simons Island Fire/Police/Public Works Substation near the airport
Activity and Building Closures
- Glynn County Parks and Recreation is canceling all Thursday recreation and sports activities. Brunswick canceled recreation activities on Thursday and will resume on Sept. 30.
- Both branches of Glynn County Library will be closed on Thursday, re-opening Friday at 11 a.m.
- Republic Services Friday garbage pickup for Sea Island is delayed until Saturday. All other routes in Brunswick and in Glynn County are on their regular schedule.
- County and City offices will remain open on Thursday and Friday, unless conditions deteriorate.
- Brunswick’s Senior Center will be closed on Thursday due to transportation services being suspended; services may resume on Friday pending availability of transportation being provided by the CRC.
Regular updates on the progress of the storm and on efforts to ensure the safety of all will be available on the web and social media at the following addresses:
- Glynn County Emergency Management Administration’s Facebook page
- Glynn County home page at www.GlynnCounty.org
- City of Brunswick Facebook page
All people are encouraged to check their home emergency preparedness kits and to download the free CodeRed app for up-to-the-minute advisories and warnings. CodeRed is available on the Glynn County EMA Facebook page.
People can also see damage reports and report storm damage when they see it by downloading the “See Click Fix” app by going to the Glynn County home page at www.GlynnCounty.org.
Camden County
In anticipation of Hurricane Helene, Camden County officials have declared a state of emergency, in alignment with the governor’s emergency declaration.
Camden County is under a coastal flood warning and a flood watch.
The county is proactively preparing for the storm’s potential impacts, which include high winds, tornadoes, storm surges, and localized flooding.
These measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and to mitigate damage as the storm approaches.
A handful of businesses had sandbags in front of them but gas stations were relatively empty Thursday morning.
Sadie Davis has seen a storm or two in her 78 years in the area.
She said she knows how to get prepared.
“I’m almost ready. I call it the bunker,” Davis said.
The “Bunker” is a part of her house that’s been there since 1953.
But the bunker is getting some temporary additions: sandbags to help keep the stormwater out.
“Because last week with all the rainwater seeping through the foundation. So they were giving out sandbags. I usually don’t come but this time I don’t wanna watch it no more.”
And she’s one of many.
Over the last two days, Milton Burden, who works for the St. Marys Public Works Department, said almost 1,800 bags have gone out.
So while it was quiet Thursday morning it’s not because they aren’t ready, it’s because they already are.
Now, county officials are urging residents to look out for one another.
“Be plugged in, be aware, look after your neighbor, register in our code red system. Make sure that you know what’s going on and that you’re not the last when things are changing or we want to communicate with you please be dialed in and connected,” said Chuck White, Director Camden County Emergency Management.
County officials say the effects of the storm will be felt Thursday evening and continue throughout Friday morning.
Declaration of County State of Emergency: Effective Sept. 25 at 12 p.m.
Local Office Closures: Municipal and County offices will be closed from 8 a.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. on Friday. Government offices will resume normal hours on Monday at 8 a.m., weather and conditions permitting.
Board of Education: The Board of Education will suspend operations on Thursday and Friday. Schools will reopen Monday, weather and conditions permitting.
Waste Services:
- MSW and C&D Landfills: Both landfills will remain open Thursday with normal operating hours, but will be closed Friday. Both will tentatively reopen on Saturday at 7 a.m. with extended operating hours through 3 p.m., weather and conditions permitting.
- County (Unincorporated Area): Curbside Collections office will be closed Thursday and Friday and will reopen Monday. Friday collections will be collected on Saturday.
- City of Kingsland: Waste collection will occur on Thursday and will pause on Friday. Friday’s collection will resume on Saturday.
- St. Marys/Woodbine: Waste collection will occur on Thursday and will pause on Friday. Friday’s collection will resume on Saturday.
Vulnerable Population Sheltering: A shelter is available for residents who live in flood-prone areas and are considered vulnerable due to medical conditions, self-care needs, or are elderly and need assistance who live in flood-prone areas.
Shelter Information:
- Location: PSA Building, 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland
- Opening Time: 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024
- Supplies: Cots, meals, basic medical supplies
- Who: Vulnerable populations include those with medical needs, self-care difficulties, elderly, etc. The general public will only be allowed if space is available after accommodating the vulnerable population.
- What to Bring: Medications, personal identification, basic supplies for children and pets, blankets, and only essential personal items
Sandbag Locations: Sand is available at four different self-service sites throughout Camden County.
- Kingsland: 132 Royal Parkway in Kingsland on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- St. Marys: 819 Point Peter Road in St. Mary, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
- Woodbine: 1144 Godley Avenue and 1714 Bedell Avenue in Woodbine
Milton Burden, who works for the St. Marys Public Works Department, said that over the last two days, almost 1,800 bags have gone out.
“The storm shouldn’t come our way, but we have had ones with just outer bands of rain,” Burden said.
County officials are urging residents to look out for one another.
“Be plugged in. Be aware. Look after your neighbors. Register in our CodeRED system. Make sure that you know what’s going on,” said Chuck White, director of Camden County Emergency Management. “When things are changing or we want to communicate with you please be dialed in and connected.”
Stay Informed: Follow trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) and the National Weather Service Office in Jacksonville (www.weather.gov/jax).
Ware County
All Ware County schools and the Central Office will be closed to students and staff on Thursday and Friday.
The Ware County EMA Director noted that wind and the possibility of tornadic activity would be the main threats to our area. Downed power lines and debris are expected to block roads if the storm maintains its current path.
Additionally, the county is unable to operate our buses safely when sustained winds are high.
Ware County Schools anticipate resuming normal operations on Monday. Please stay tuned for any updates, and make sure to prepare and take all necessary precautions during the storm. Thank you for being our partner in keeping our community and its members safe!
Brantley County
The Brantley County School System continues to monitor hurricane Helene and is collaborating with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), National Hurricane Center, and local authorities for safety updates and guidance.
Due to the projected path of the storm, all Brantley Schools and the Central Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Pierce County
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday as a Category 3 Hurricane. The safety of our students and staff is our first concern when determining when it is necessary to close schools.
Pierce County is expecting high winds beginning Thursday afternoon with the possibility of tornadoes.
Out of an abundance of caution, Pierce County Schools will be closed for students and staff Thursday and Friday. All school activities including sports will be canceled for Thursday afternoon.
A decision will be made on Friday morning about Friday’s football game. If weather does not permit the away game against Vidalia to be played on Friday, it will be changed to Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Pierce will resume normal operations on Monday.
Georgia Power
Georgia Power is monitoring Helene and preparing personnel and resources to respond to potential power outages later this week. While the path of the storm may change in the coming days, it is currently forecast to begin impacting South Georgia as early as Thursday with damaging winds, heavy rain, excessive lightning and hail.
The system is very large and may impact communities across the state. Georgia Power is in touch with its response partners, including local and state governments, as well as other regional utilities.
Georgia Power reminds customers to stay safe and take time to prepare now – before the system enters the state. Resources available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm can help customers prepare and stay informed. The company is committed to connecting with customers before, during and after severe weather.
Staying informed is most important during an emergency situation. Georgia Power has developed multiple ways for customers to stay connected.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.