Live updates for Hurricane Helene as it approaches Georgia

Georgians are feeling major impacts Friday morning from Hurricane Helene as it swept rapidly across Georgia during the overnight hours.

The storm left many in south Georgia with damage and without power and it continues to impact the north half of the state.

As of a 7:30 a.m. Friday, Hurricane Helene still had winds at 70 miles per hour after moving onto land in the big bend of Florida around 11 p.m. Thursday. Flooding is still a concern throughout the state.

Follow along here for updates as the hurricane makes its way into and through Georgia.

5:51 p.m. Saturday, More cooling stations open, ice available

Three more charging and cooling stations opened at 4 p.m. and will stay open until 7 p.m.- Tompkins Regional Center at 2333 Ogeechee Road – Mighty 8th Air Museum at 175 Bourne Ave. – Life Bridge Ministry at 8511 Waters Ave. – Kingdome Life Christian Fellowship at 425 W Montgomery Cross Road

Ice is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Stadium and L. Scott Stell Park.

2:25 p.m. Saturday, Debris removal to continue into next week

The City of Savannah’s essential emergency services are responding at full capacity through the weekend to the major impacts left from Hurricane Helene. Due to large volume of debris, removal operations are expected to continue into next week.

Residents who want to get rid of debris themselves can bring it to the convenience stations at Dean Forest Landfill or Bacon Park Transfer Station.

The city asessed the damage in 41 neighborhoods yesterday and plan to assess 60 more today. Saturday morning assessments noted 32 blocked, impassible or traffic-impacted roads in the city. About 130 of the 280 city-operated traffic signals are without power.

There’s an estimated 94,460 power outages remaining affecting 59% of the community. Savannah is working with Georgia Power to restore power as soon as possible. The estimated times of restoration are expected to be released this afternoon along with full restoration for many affected. As of 8 a.m. the number of those without power has been reduced from 70% to 59%.

1 p.m. Saturday, Update from Georgia Power

From a Georgia Power statement:

Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene continues Saturday as the company marked the start of the first full day of restoration efforts. Since the beginning of the storm, Georgia Power has restored power to 440,000+ customers through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so. Unfortunately, treacherous conditions remain across the state with crews navigating extensive tree damage, persisting flooding conditions and many road closures. As of Saturday mid-morning, approximately 540,000 customers remained impacted by Hurricane Helene. The company is also managing the potential for additional power outages that could occur due to the saturated ground and weakened trees.

The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has 14,000+ personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.

Based on ongoing damage assessment, Georgia Power estimates that there are thousands of broken power poles that must be replaced, as well as many miles of down power lines, across the state. Damage assessment is an essential initial step of efficient restoration and helps the company identify where resources are best utilized to return power to customers quickly. Damage assessment teams enter the field and begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. Given the inaccessibility of these areas, many teams are utilizing drones and other technology to patrol damaged lines. These damage assessment teams are then followed by repair crews.

12 p.m. Saturday, Find cooling, charging stations in Savannah

From Savannah Morning News reporter Destini Ambus: Chatham County is opening Tybee Island YMCA at 204 5th Street as cooling and charging stations, starting now until 7 p.m. Showers are also available. The Empowerment Center at 4704 Augusta Road in Garden City is also open Saturday until 7 p.m., as well as the Compassion Christian Church at 50 Al Henderson Blvd until 5 p.m.

City of Tybee Island also received word from Georgia Power that crews finished repairs to the main power transmission line this morning, and power was restored immediately to some island customers. Additional repair crews arrived in Chatham County, Augusta, Tifton and Statesboro to bring more people back online. 130,641 customers are still affected in the Savannah area according to the Georgia Power outage map.

12 p.m. Saturday, Food pantry open in Savannah

CEMA has a drive thru mobile food pantry at Memorial Stadium, opening at 2 p.m. until supplies run out. They’re asking for people to enter off of Skidaway Road onto Eisenberg Dr. by the Alee Temple to get in line.

9:15 a.m. Saturday, What is causing all the rain in the Southeast?

A confluence of weather patterns over the eastern U.S. set up the historic flooding that forced people from their homes in the dead of night Friday along the Nolichucky River in Tennessee, as officials warned of dam failures and raging torrents ravaged communities.

In several forecast discussions earlier in the week, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologists described the situation that was about to set up and soak the southeast.

Other atmospheric patterns overhead in the region were interacting with a plume of moisture moving far ahead of Helene, the outlooks stated. Jet stream winds blowing aloft at more than 115 mph provided lift that further enhanced moisture in developing storms.

Interactions like this, with a band of moisture ahead of a tropical storm or hurricane, are called predecessor events and they’ve been documented in the past to cause heavy rains ahead of the arrival of tropical storms and hurricanes.

By Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned rain in parts of the region could fall at rates up to 3 inches an hour.

Along the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina on Wednesday and Thursday, almost 10 inches of rain fell in Asheville and 8 inches in Tryon, according to preliminary weather service data. Another six inches fell over the two days in Bristol-Johnson, Tennessee and more than four inches in Knoxville.

Then Helene’s massive circulation moved into the mix with more rain, and then transitioned into a post tropical cyclone. Recent studies have shown some hurricanes are soaking up more moisture from the warming Gulf of Mexico, further enhancing rainfall totals.

By Friday evening, record-breaking rainfall totals were reported in some Southeast locations, with more than a foot of rain across swaths of Georgia and South Carolina. Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia saw widespread amounts ranging from 4 to 7 inches.

Eyepopping rainfall totals were measured in the North Carolina mountains, including 29.6 inches at Busick and 24.2 inches at Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and a landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Rain flowing into rivers in the mountainous areas quickly turned into cataclysmic flooding, setting an all-time records high on the Pigeon River at Newport, Tennessee. In Asheville, record high levels were set on the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River near the Biltmore estate.

The floodwater, which weighs 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, washed away roads and cars and stranded residents in mountain communities. At Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, floodwaters stranded 54 people on the roof.

At least three of the flood level records broken Friday were set more than a century ago, when the lingering remnants of one tropical system in July 1916 were followed by another, producing heavy rain.

5:50 p.m. Helene has moved out, but other storms out in tropics

There are five known storms in the Atlantic or Caribbean at the moment. The east coast of the United States isn’t out of the woods.

5:30 p.m. Much of Bryan County still without power

From Savannah Morning News reporter Latrice Williams:

According to Bryan County Chairman Carter Infinger, 85% of the county is without power.

Infinger went on to say motorists should treat all intersections as a 4-way stop. Residents are encouraged to call 911 for emergencies and 912-756-3101 for non-emergencies. He also reminded residents to be mindful where generators are placed and encouraged residents to stay off the roads.

Chris Fettes, CEO at Coastal Electric Cooperative, provided an update and timeline regarding power outages and clean up.

“One of the challenges with this storm was the size and forecast track,” said Fettes. “Half of Georgia was going to be out one way or the other. Now that we know where the damage is, crews are starting to mobilize. We knew it was going to be a tough day, basically storm reconnaissance. We planned for this but expected less. This could be a 3-5 day clean up.”

4:34 p.m. Wind Speeds revealed for Savannah area

From Savannah Morning News reporter John Deem:

As the storm swirled counterclockwise Wednesday morning, the Savannah area ended up in the path of strong Atlantic winds moving onshore unimpeded, resulting in some of the strongest Helene-fueled readings in Georgia.

Read the full story HERE

2:50 p.m. Georgia Power updated numbers without power

There are now fewer than a million without power across the state as Georgia Power works diligently to replace power after Hurricane Helene, reports Vanessa Countryman.

2:38 p.m. Savannah’s 311 phone line back operating

From Savannah Morning News reporter Evan Lasseter: The city’s 311 phone line is back up after being out early this morning. The line is a non-emergency services number serving Savannah.

2:25 p.m. Mayor Van Johnson gives update on Savannah storm damage from Hurricane Helene

From Savannah Morning News reporter Evan Lasseter: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and City Manager Jay Melder hosted an update on Hurricane Helene’s impacts via Facebook Live about an hour ago. There were 66 trees down in rights of way and 42 blocked sections of roadway, according to Melder.

Johnson said there are about 120,000 people without power in “Savannah proper.” Johnson added that the widespread power outages would not be fixed today, although some homes could see power return within today or tomorrow.

Johnson said he was reminded of Peanuts character Snoopy sitting atop his dog house with his typewriter typing: “it was a dark and stormy night.”

“That is what last night was about, a dark and stormy night,” Johnson said.

Melder estimated “several weeks” before all of the debris is completely collected. Yard waste is picking up Saturday for those who clean their own yards.

1:30 p.m. Storm damage stories start to roll in

Savannah Morning News reporter Evan Lasseter reports: Although Savannah was not in Helene’s direct path, the storm brought peak 76 mph wind gusts and seven simultaneous tornado warnings in the area at one point Thursday evening. By Friday morning the sun was up, and winds speeds began to dissipate, bringing droves of Savannah residents to city streets surveying the damage.

Read the full story HERE

12:48 p.m. City of Savannah updates emergency response numbers

From the City of Savannah:

“Savannah Police Department received 443 calls for service from the beginning of the event. Savannah Fire Department received 325 calls, and the 311 Action Center received 253 calls. SFD responded to a partial building collapse at 317 W. Broughton. The site has been secured pending a further engineering evaluation. SFD also responded to four structure fires. No major injuries were reported and all sites have been secured.”

11:35 a.m. Track Emergency Management road closures, cleanup

Use Emergency Management Service’s incident tracker for road closures and incidents throughout Savannah.

ArcGIS Web Application

11:05 a.m. Georgia Power boosts support to restore power

Georgia Power press release: As Hurricane Helene clears Georgia, Georgia Power has deployed 10,000+ personnel who were assembled in advance of the storm to begin full-scale damage assessment and restoration. There has been significant damage statewide due to hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, coupled with ground that was previously saturated due to Wednesday’s “storm before the storm” that hit the state ahead of the historic hurricane.

11 a.m. Hwy 80 back open from Savannah to Tybee Island

Hwy 80 is open, the Tybee Island Police said in a Facebook post.

“Highway 80 is now open. Please drive carefully as traffic flow attempts to return to normal. Your safety is important to us!”

10:45 a.m. Nearly 1.1 million without power throughout Georgia

From Georgia reporter Vanessa Countryman:

As of 10:30 a.m. Friday, the storm had led to significant outages, affecting numerous counties throughout the state. Overall, 22.1% of Georgia’s power customers are affected with 1,083,629 outages reported out of 4,910,826 tracked customers.

Track power outages in Georgia with the USA TODAY ‘OFF THE GRID’ map.

10:40 a.m. How to proceed with traffic lights out

From Savannah Morning News reporter John Deem: Traffic lights are dark throughout the Savannah area because of power outages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Here’s how drivers should approach those situations, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services:

All drivers must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
After stopping, vehicles should proceed in the order they arrived. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Be cautious of pedestrians crossing the intersection. They always have the right of way.

10:25 a.m. Georgia Southern University completely closed

From Savannah Morning News reporter Joseph Schwartzburt: All Georgia Southern campuses are closed on Friday, September 27. Classes are canceled for Friday, Sept. 27. All in-person University events are canceled on Friday, Sept. 27.

10:05 a.m. Photos: Hurricane Helene storm damage throughout Florida

8:42 a.m. Winds dying down in Savannah

From climate and environment change reporter John Deem of the Savannah Morning News:

Wind speeds have begun to dissipate in the Savannah area and will continue to do so through the rest of Friday, the National Weather Service said.

The threat of tornadoes also has diminished.

At one point Thursday evening, there were seven simultaneous tornado warnings in the Savannah area.

8:30 a.m. Most around Augusta without power

Nearly 95% of Georgia Power customers are without power this morning after Hurricane Helene swept across the area. 95,373 customers in Richmond County and 66,751 in Columbia County do not have power according to the Georgia Power outage map.

8:25 a.m. Comcast to provide free Wi-Fi hotspots

From Comcast press release: To help residents and emergency personnel impacted by Hurricane Helene stay connected, Comcast will open 180,430 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Georgia and South Carolina. The free and public hotspots will be open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers.

How to Get Connected

For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, and businesses, visit Finder.wifi.xfinity.com.

8:10 a.m. Trees down across Savannah, Chatham County

From Joseph Schwartzburt of the Savannah Morning News, trees are down across the Savannah area.

8 a.m. More than 70% of Savannah-area without power

Georgia Power reports 113,746 customers in Chatham County are without power Friday morning after Hurricane Helene swept across south Georgia overnight.

Bryan County has 20,948 without power while Effingham has 27,196 without power.

7:50 a.m. Chatham County Government offices closed

From press release: Chatham County offices and facilities will be closed Friday, September 27^th due to effects from Hurricane Helene. The Chatham County Courthouse and Juvenile Courthouse will be closed. All dockets will be rescheduled.

As of 6:00 AM today, Hurricane Helene continues to affect our area. Chatham County is still under a Tropical Storm Warning, and a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 8:00 AM.

11:15 p.m. Follow the radar throughout the night as Hurricane Helene makes its way into Georgia

11:09 p.m. Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida

The hurricane has made landfall in the big bend of the Florida gulf coast.

10:36 p.m. Tornado Warning lifted for Savannah

The National Weather Service has lifted the tornado warning for Savannah and surrounding areas.

9:56 p.m. Tornado Warning issued once again for Savannah

Tornado Warning including Savannah GA, Bluffton SC and Garden City GA until 10:15 p.m. ET, according to NWS.

9:36 p.m. Tornado Warning issued for Richmond Hill

Tornado Warning continues for Richmond Hill GA until 9:45 p.m., according to the NWS

9:12 p.m. Savannah Tornado Warning extended

The tornado warning for Savannah has been extended to 9:45, the National Weather Service said. It also includes Rincon and Garden City.

9:01 p.m. Tornado Warning for Metter, Pulaski, Manassas

Tornado Warning continues for Metter GA, Pulaski GA and Manassas GA until 9:30 p.m. ET, according to the NWS.

8:46 p.m. Savannah under Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning including Savannah GA, Pooler GA and Garden City GA until 9:15 p.m., ET, according to NWS. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lower floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter.

8:20 p.m. Brunswick, St. Simons Island under Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning including Brunswick GA, Saint Simons Island GA and Everett GA until 8:45 p.m. ET, according to NWS.

6:40 p.m. Roads closing in Savannah

The city has closed “nearly 20 roads” and expects more closures Friday. Here is the list of closures, which can also be viewed online here:

Victory Drive at MLK
Cedar Street
51st (Hopkins to Stevens)
Jefferson at 39th and 38th
Magazine (Feely to Cornwall)
Montgomery at 52nd
Louisville at Lathrop (Railroad Overpass)
White Bluff Road at Johnston
Burbank (20 Burbank)
69th at Paulsen Street
Whitaker at Duffy
Paulsen at 60th
Ogeechee Rd. at Plymouth
Telfair south of Telfair Place (Garden City)
Bull at 37th
Corvair (Ford to Nash)
Abercorn at Amsterdam
W. 48th St. (Stanley to Edwin)
Thackery (Bull to Sylvan)
Chatham Parkway (Police Memorial to I-16)

Friday’s yard waste pickup is being moved to Saturday to allow for residents to add storm-related debris to the pickup, according to the press release. There will be no street sweepers Thursday evening.

The Recorder’s Court traffic docket scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow is now cancelled and will be rescheduled.

6:30 p.m. Hurricane Helene now a Category 4 storm

A NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft has reported the maximum sustained winds in Hurricane Helene are now 130 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane, the hurricane center reported at 6:20 p.m. ET. The center of the storm is 120 miles west of Tampa and 165 miles south of Tallahassee.

5 p.m. Hurricane Helene wind speed increases

A 5 p.m. advisory boosted Hurricane Helene’s sustained speeds five miles per hour to 125. The hurricane remains a Category 3 storm that is about 130 miles west of Tampa, Florida.

4:35 p.m. Updated rainfall forecast for Georgia

Here’s an updated look at how much rain Georgia can expect from Hurricane Helene

4:17 p.m. Wind speeds expected to increase in Savannah

A graphic by Savannah Morning News reporter John Deem shows how wind speeds will increase overnight Thursday as Hurricane Helene makes landfall.

4:10 p.m. Updates for Savannah State University amid Hurricane Helene

From Savannah Morning News reporter Joseph Schwartzburt: Savannah State University issued an update on Thursday afternoon, stating, “As a precaution, Savannah State University will continue classes and university operations remotely on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. This will ensure continuity of learning and service to our students without compromising safety.” With the storm expected to subside by Friday afternoon, all SSU weekend events should be held as planned.

3:58 p.m. Flights affected by Hurricane Helene?

From state reporter Miguel Legoas: Augusta Regional Airport spokesperson Lauren Smith said Thursday morning that they have seen no major delays or cancelations. They do expect to see several diversions land in Augusta waiting out the weather in Atlanta.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport spokesperson Lori Lynah said midday Thursday that they have only had a couple of cancelations so far. She went on to say they may see more later in the evening, but it’s impossible to know at this point.

For more on how flights are impacted, click HERE.

3:36 p.m. Bryan, Effingham Schools updates

From Savannah Morning News reporter Latrice Williams: The Effingham County School District announced Thursday it will close all schools Friday. The school district originally announced it would release students two hours early but made the change due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Helene’s impact in their area. Bryan County Schools made the same move, saying schools in the county will be closed Friday as well.

3:28 p.m. Georgia Power has 10,000 on ground in Georgia

From Georgia Power press release: As Hurricane Helene approaches the coast of Florida, Georgia Power is making its final preparations to respond to anticipated widespread damage and potential for extended power outages across the state. As the majority of the state of Georgia prepares to feel impacts from the storm, the company has aligned the right resources – more than 10,000 personnel on the ground currently – and continues to refine plans as the storm gets closer to ensure a safe and effective response. The National Hurricane Center forecasts high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and possible tornadoes as Hurricane Helene enters the state. This follows the “storm before the storm” – including heavy rains over the last 24 hours which has already caused flooding and weakened trees.

3:15 p.m. Spectrum to offer free internet access points

From reporter Vanessa Countryman: The company will offer free, unlimited access to Spectrum Wi-Fi access points, ensuring that residents can maintain communication and access vital information throughout the hurricane’s impact.

To learn how to find an access point near you, click HERE.

2:50 p.m. Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 3 storm

Hurricane Helene was boosted to a Category 3 storm around 2:30 p.m. as sustained winds have reached 120 mph.

2:40 p.m. Central Georgia being hit by tornadoes

Many areas in southcentral Georgia are under Tornado warnings, the latest near Fitzgerald. Check the National Weather Service and @NWStornado for the latest updates.

2:35 p.m. Georgia Southern game not impacted, yet, by Hurricane Helene

The blue and white rivals are set to face off again at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. While the inclement weather has required many school functions to be postponed, Saturday’s game is tentatively still on, according to Georgia Southern’s senior associate athletics director Bryan Johnston.

2:04 p.m. Worst of Helene to come overnight for Savannah

From John Deem of the Savannah Morning News: Forecasters expressed concern Thursday that the most significant impacts from the remnants of Hurricane Helene as it passes through the Savannah area and South Carolina Lowcountry likely will be felt after dark.

Read more about the future of Hurricane Helene Here.

1:55 p.m. Toombs County under Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning including Toombs County, GA until 2:15 p.m. ET, according to NWS

1:42 p.m. Dublin, East Dublin under Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning including Dublin GA and East Dublin GA until 2:15 p.m. ET, according to NWS.

1:25 p.m. Baxley under Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning including Baxley GA until 1:45 p.m. ET, according to NWS

1:11 p.m. Scenes from Savannah Street flooding

1:10 p.m. Tornado Warning for Dodge, Laurens and Wheeler counties

Tornado Warning continues for Dodge County, GA, Laurens County, GA, Wheeler County, GA until 1:30 p.m. ET

1:00 p.m. Tornado warning southwest of Savannah

Tornado Warning including Rockingham GA and Mershon GA until 1:15 p.m. ET, according to NWS

12:24 p.m. Savannah shelter times extended

From Savannah Morning News reporter Destini Ambus: As the outer raggedy fringes of Hurricane Helene begin to move over Savannah with high winds and heavy rain forecasted for later Thursday, those seeking daytime shelter are welcome to hunker down in Old Savannah City Mission.

12:10 p.m. Road closures in Port Wentworth

From Savannah Morning News reporter Destini Ambus: Port Wentworth joins the state of Georgia, Chatham County and other local cities in declaring an emergency for Hurricane Helene. Bonnybridge Rd., Evora St., Gordon St., and Dixie Rd. in Port Wentworth are all closed.

12:05 p.m. National Weather Service provides potential impact to Georgia

From the NWS: Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane later this evening. Impacts will begin across north and central Georgia later this afternoon, and preparations for (at least) tropical storm conditions need to be completed promptly if not already done.

11:45 a.m. Tornado Warning continues for Glynn County

Tornado Warning continues for Glynn County, GA until 11:45 a.m. ET.

11:40 a.m. Tornado Warning issued south of Savannah

Tornado Warning continues for Midway GA, Riceboro GA and Flemington GA until 11:45 a.m. ET.

11:30 a.m. Update from Savannah Mayor Van Johnson

From Savannah Morning News reporter Evan Lasseter: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said on Facebook live late Thursday morning there will be no curfew in Savannah Thursday night. The city previously announced curfews during portions of Tropical Storm Debby.

Johnson also said Chatham Area Transit will have “scaled back services” and is expected to announce its updated schedules for today and tomorrow in coming hours.

11:03 a.m. Travelling to Georgia-Alabama game?

From reporter Vanessa Countryman: To avoid the worst of the storm, it’s best to travel before the hurricane arrives or after the hurricane has passed, as Georgia is already seeing the affects of the storm now.

Read more about the Georgia-Alabama travel forecast HERE.

10:33 a.m. Tornado confirmed in Bluffton, S.C.

From Shellie Murdaugh in Bluffton: As Hurricane Helene continues to move towards Florida, the effects of the storm are already being felt in the South Carolina Lowcountry as a tornado was reported to have touched down in the Bluffton area Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.

10:30 a.m. Blood donations needed in Savannah

From Destini Ambus at the Savannah Morning News: Savannah’s community blood center, The Blood Connection, is urging the community to donate blood or platelets after Hurricane Helene to ensure surgeries and emergency operations can still happen.

10:25 a.m. Track Georgia power outages

From reporter Miguel Legoas: According to USA Today’s live “OFF THE GRID” tracker, Georgia has seen 15,323 outages within the last 72 hours as of 9:15 a.m. Currently the county with the highest number is Henry County just outside Atlanta with 6,945 outages. However, many more are expected in the south Georgia region.

You can track outages through Georgia Power’s outage map: Click here for power outage map

10:05 a.m. Some flooding on Savannah Roads

From Savannah Morning News reporter John Deem, Savannah streets were flooding Thursday morning as torrential rain swamped the area ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival.

More than 2 inches of rain had fallen at Hunter Army Airfield by 10 a.m. That total doesn’t include the heaviest precipitation, which has continued after 10 a.m.

Another 1.5 inches is forecast through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Savannah, Augusta areas in Tornado Watch through Thursday night

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Georgia and South Carolina until 9 p.m. ET.

Tornado warning north of Augusta, Georgia

Tornado Warning continues for Evans GA, Edgefield SC and Clarks Hill SC until 8:30 a.m. ET, the National Weather Service announced.

Schools closed around the state of Georgia

Schools in Savannah and Athens are taking action before Hurricane Helene moves into the area.

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) announced Wednesday afternoon that schools will dismiss early on Thursday, Sept. 26 and be closed for in-person instruction on Friday, Sept. 27.

In Athens, the University of Georgia closed campus Thursday and Friday while school systems in the area will be closed on Friday.

A complete list of Athens-area closings here.

Tornado Warning in Beaufort County, South Carolina

A tornado was spotted near Bluffton, S.C., just north of Hilton Head Island from a band from Hurricane Helene until 7:45 a.m. ET.

How to stay safe in a tornado

Forecasters say tornadoes are possible in the Savannah area and South Carolina Lowcountry Thursday through Friday morning as the remnants of Hurricane Helene move through the area.

Here are ways to prepare yourself for the possibility of tornadoes.

Read about them here.

Georgia rainfall predictions from Hurricane Helene

Below is the early projections for rainfall as Hurricane Helene crosses across the southeast.

What is a State of Emergency?

From reporter Miguel Legoas, Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency across the state which went into effect Tuesday and will continue until next Wednesday night.

So, what does a State of Emergency call for?

The order means Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency will have activated the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan and all resources are to be made available to help with the preparation, response, and recovery activities of affected areas. Included in those resources are the allocation of up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to be used where necessary.

FEMA’s steps to prepare for flooding

From reporter Vanessa Countryman, the following steps are what FEMA suggests to potential flooding victims.

The most effective measure is to purchase flood insurance to mitigate potential damage. Here are some other FEMA suggestions:

Know your flood risk
Take a household inventory
Store important documents

Hurricane Helene affects Savannah-area football games

From Savannah Morning News sports reporter Dennis Knight, the following changes have occurred to GHSA high school football games:

Hurricane Helene is growing in strength and is expected to hit Florida’s coast on Thursday, but it is already affecting the high school sports scene in Georgia.

Benedictine announced that its Region 1-4A football opener originally scheduled for Friday night at Ware County has been moved to Monday, Sept. 30, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. at Ware County.

What is storm surge?

The USA TODAY has explained what storm surge is and how it can rapidly increase:

Hurricane and storm surge watches cover much of the Gulf Coast of Florida as Hurricane Helene is projected to strengthen into a major hurricane and move northward from the Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico.

The sudden rise of water topped by already high and powerful waves could deliver a battering blow that can sweep homes off their foundations and flood low-lying areas miles inland.

View graphics and more about storm surge here.

5:51 p.m. Saturday, More cooling stations open, ice available

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