National Weather Service (Sept. 26 - 6:00 pm)

Hurricane Helene, currently southwest of the Florida Peninsula, will accelerate northward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico today. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane before making landfall along the Big Bend of Florida this evening. Due to its intensity and fast-forward motion, unprecedented wind and flooding impacts, rivaling or exceeding those of Hurricanes Opal (1995), Irma (2017), and Michael (2018), are expected across north and central Georgia.

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Several areas have received 2 to 4 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts over 10 inches, are expected. Widespread flooding is expected, with significant flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding possibly occurring.

Tropical storm and hurricane-force wind gusts, potentially exceeding 80 mph, are expected to begin across the southern portion of the forecast area this evening and quickly spread north overnight into Friday morning. Hurricane-force wind gusts will be possible for some locations, including the Atlanta Metro and Cobb County. Given the saturated soils, widespread trees down and significant power outages are expected. Prepare for an extended period of power loss!

Helene will be an expansive system with impacts occurring well away from the storm center.

All preparations should be rushed to completion before impacts begin. The time to act is now!

POTENTIAL IMPACTS -----------------

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across portions of north and central Georgia. Potential impacts include extreme rainfall flooding, which may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible significant to extensive impacts across north and central Georgia.

* WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind that could possibly have extensive impacts across portions of central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes were severely damaged, with some destroyed—damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads are impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes are impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages.

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Also, protect against dangerous winds having possible limited to significant impacts across the remainder of central Georgia and north Georgia.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across central Georgia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

• Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
• Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around, don't drown!
• If you are in a place vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, the upper floors of a high-rise building, or a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
• If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.
• Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
• Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid Signs Local State of Emergency for Approaching Storm
Cobb County Offices to Close Noon Thursday Through Friday

Marietta, GA (Sept. 26, 2024) — Chairwoman Lisa Cupid has signed a local State of Emergency for Cobb County due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Helene. This declaration will enable the county to access state and federal resources more quickly if needed in the coming days.

Chairwoman Cupid urged Cobb County residents to prepare for the approaching storm system.

“I encourage everyone to take precautions and avoid travel during the storm,” said Chairwoman Cupid. “Forecasters are predicting high winds and heavy rainfall. With the amount of rain we’ve already received, flooding is likely. If you live in a flood-prone area, please assess whether relocating to a safer location is necessary.”

County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris has ordered county facilities to close at noon on Thursday, with county workers instructed to remain at home through Friday. While county offices will close, Cobb’s essential workers—including Cobb DOT, 911, Emergency Management, police, and fire departments—are preparing to respond to the storm.

Cobb DOT crews will transition to 12-hour shifts starting tonight to handle calls regarding downed trees, blocked roads, or flooding. EMA will activate its Emergency Operations Center, and a combined police and fire incident command will coordinate the emergency response. Additionally, 911 will increase its number of operators to manage the expected surge in calls and dispatch emergency responders.

During the peak of the storm, anticipated on Friday morning, residents are asked to call 911 only for immediate emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, contact numbers are available on the Helene Information page at cobbcounty.org.

Court cases in the State Court scheduled by the State Court Clerk’s Office for Thursday afternoon September 26th and Friday, September 27th will be rescheduled and re-notified for a future date.

You can follow your case date docket by entering your case number or case name at: https://www.cobbcounty.org/courts/state-court/clerk/court-connect after rescheduling takes place Monday, September 30th.

You may reach the State Court Clerk’s Office by phone at 770-528-2660 on Monday, September 30th at 8:00 a.m.

RIVER FLOODING INFORMATION:
Chattahoochee at Vinings | Sope Creek in East Cobb | Sweetwater Creek near Austell | Noses Creek near Powder Springs | Allatoona Creek at Stilesboro Road

Cobb County Government events, facilities, courts, and offices are closed from noon Thursday, Sept. 26 - 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27.

CobbLinc will suspend fixed route and Flex service for Friday due to the incoming remnants of Hurricane Helene. Service will continue through the end of the day Thursday.

Transfer Station
The Cobb County Transfer Station on County Services Parkway will open on Friday but will open late to ensure employees can report after sunrise.

The WestRock Recycling Center will be in operation.

TAG Grinding plans extended hours to handle an increase in storm debris.

Community
The Atlanta Braves have rescheduled games at Truist Park

Starting on Friday, Sept. 27, Kennesaw Mountain NBP will be closed

Cobb County is preparing for the storm to keep residents safe

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  Cobb DOT road crews are clearing debris and reinforcing drainage systems to minimize risks in preparation for high winds and potential flash flooding. We’re also inspecting vulnerable trees and ensuring storm drains are clear. Emergency teams are on standby for the next few days and working with other departments to monitor road safety updates as they come in.
• Cobb 911 is working to increase staff to answer emergency calls and dispatch help during the hours the storm is expected to impact our area.
• Cobb Emergency Management is coordinating with the state on preparations and are working with our local partners to make sure we have available resources on standby.  They are still working to determine when the Emergency Operations Center will open.
• Cobb's Police and Fire Departments are rearranging shifts and moving resources to make sure they are able to respond to calls.
• County leaders will meet later today to discuss preparations and possible facility closures before the storm.

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Windy, heavy rain storms and reports of trees down and flooding lead us to be concerned about whether or not where our loved ones live is in the dark and if our homes are experiencing power outages when we’re away. Utilities offer outage maps, and many provide signups for automatic outage alerts.

Electrical service outage maps covering areas of Cobb County include:

Georgia Power: https://outagemap.georgiapower.com/

Cobb EMC: https://www.cobbemc.com/outage-map-guide

GreyStone Power: https://www.greystonepower.com/current-outages

Marietta Power: https://www.mariettaga.gov/1179/Outage-Storm-Center

Cobb County Emergency Management Agency resources: https://www.cobbcounty.org/emergency-management/resources

Ready Georgia: https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia

Power outages:
💡Acworth Power - 770-293-9557
💡Atlanta Gas Light - 877-427-4321
💡Marietta Power - Emergency 770-794-5160
💡Cobb EMC - Power Outage 770-429-2100, then press 3
💡Georgia Power - 888-660-5890
💡Greystone Power - 770-942-6576

🚗 Cobb Dept. of Transportation - Use SeeClickFix https://seeclickfix.com/cobb-county or call 770-528-1600 - for trees in a roadway, flooded road, culvert or storm drain.

🚓 Cobb Police and Fire Non-Emergency - 770-499-3911

☎️ Other non-emergency questions about facilities and what is open/closed  - 770-528-1000

MUST Ministries Hope House will be open Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27 due to inclement weather. Hope house is located at 1297, Bells Ferry Road, Marietta.  Shelter services are available for women/children and men.  More information here.