This product covers North and Central Georgia

**HELENE TO BRING UNPRECEDENTED WIND AND FLOODING IMPACTS TO NORTH AND
CENTRAL GEORGIA THROUGH FRIDAY**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bibb, Bleckley, Butts,
Chattahoochee, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Jasper,
Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Muscogee, Peach,
Pike, Pulaski, Schley, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot,
Taylor, Telfair, Twiggs, Upson, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and
Wilkinson
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin, Banks,
Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke,
Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Emanuel,
Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon,
Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Heard,
Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lumpkin, Madison,
Meriwether, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Newton, North Fulton,
Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Putnam, Rockdale,
South Fulton, Taliaferro, Toombs, Towns, Treutlen, Troup,
Union, Walker, Walton, Warren, Washington, White, Whitfield,
and Wilkes

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 270 miles south of Atlanta GA or about 140 miles south of
Cordele GA
- 29.9N 83.9W
- Storm Intensity 140 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 24 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Helene has made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Big Bend
region of Florida as of 11 PM EDT. Helene will be an expansive
system with impacts occurring well away from the storm center. Due
to the intensity and fast forward motion, unprecendented wind and
flooding impacts, rivaling or exceeding those of Hurricanes Opal
(1995), Irma (2017) and Michael (2018), are expected across the
north and central Georgia.

Several areas have already received 4 to 8 inches of rain in the
last 24 hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 2.5 to 5 inches, with
localized higher amounts, are expected. The highest total amounts
will occur over a wide swath paralleling I-85 into northeast and
east central Georgia. Widespread flooding is expected with
significant flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding
possible. A few flash flood warnings have already gone into effect.

Tropical storm and hurricane force wind gusts, potentially exceeding
80 mph, are expected to begin across the southern portion of the
forecast area, then quickly spread north overnight into Friday
morning. Hurricane Force wind gusts will be possible for some
locations including the Atlanta Metro extending eastward to Athens
and in the higher terrain of the northeast Georgia mountains.
Outside of these locations, Tropical Storm force gusts are expected
all the way up to the border with Tennessee and North Carolina.
Given the saturated soils, widespread downing of trees and
significant power outages are expected. Be ready for an extended
period of power loss!

A few short-lived tornadoes have already occurred this evening. Short-
lived tornadoes remain possible across east-central Georgia
overnight through early Friday morning, with the greatest potential
over areas north and east of the track of Helene.

The time to hunker down and take shelter is now!


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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
north and central Georgia. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having possible devastating impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding 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.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are expected early Friday
morning before sunrise in central Georgia. Remain well sheltered from
life- threatening wind having extensive impacts. If realized, these
impacts include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes 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 impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also expected across
north Georgia. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having
significant impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across portions of
east-central Georgia. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado
event having significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-
powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch
or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic
rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane as any
improvement in weather will only be temporary. Once the eye passes,
conditions will become life threatening as winds immediately return
to dangerous speeds, so remain safely sheltered from the storm.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.


* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Peachtree City GA around 530 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- McDonough

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 70 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: until early Friday
afternoon

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
- PREPARE: Last minute efforts should solely focus on
protecting life. The area remains subject to considerable
wind damage.
- ACT: Now is the time to shelter from life-threatening wind.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding
- Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.
- PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic
- Extreme rainfall flooding 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.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include possible
tornadoes.
- PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the
latest tornado situation.
- ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter
if a tornado warning is issued.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Family emergency plans: Federal Emergency Management Agency
- http://ready.gov/hurricanes
- Local weather conditions and forecasts:
- http://weather.gov/atlanta

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Southwestern Butts County in central Georgia...
Northwestern Crawford County in central Georgia...
Western Monroe County in central Georgia...
Southwestern Barrow County in north central Georgia...
Southeastern Cherokee County in north central Georgia...
Clayton County in north central Georgia...
Eastern Cobb County in north central Georgia...
DeKalb County in north central Georgia...
Fayette County in north central Georgia...
Southwestern Forsyth County in north central Georgia...
Fulton County in north central Georgia...
Gwinnett County in north central Georgia...
Henry County in north central Georgia...
Rockdale County in north central Georgia...
Northwestern Walton County in north central Georgia...
Lamar County in west central Georgia...
Pike County in west central Georgia...
Spalding County in west central Georgia...
Northeastern Talbot County in west central Georgia...
Northern Taylor County in west central Georgia...
Upson County in west central Georgia...

* Until 315 AM EDT.

* At 920 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1 inch in 1
hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Atlanta, Marietta, Lawrenceville, Griffin, McDonough, Decatur,
Fayetteville, Conyers, Thomaston, Barnesville, Cumming, Jonesboro,
Zebulon, Roberta, City of South Fulton, Peachtree Corners,
Mountain Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell and Johns Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&


FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED;
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...0.5-1 INCH IN 1 HOUR

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central,
northeast, northwest, southeast, and west central Georgia,
including the following areas, in central Georgia, Baldwin, Bibb,
Bleckley, Butts, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Jasper,
Jones, Laurens, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam,
Telfair, Twiggs, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkinson. In east central
Georgia, Emanuel, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson, Johnson,
Taliaferro, Treutlen, Warren, Washington and Wilkes. In north
central Georgia, Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb,
Douglas, Fannin, Fayette, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry,
Lumpkin, Morgan, Newton, North Fulton, Pickens, Rockdale, South
Fulton, Union and Walton. In northeast Georgia, Banks, Clarke,
Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Towns and White. In
northwest Georgia, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade,
Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker and
Whitfield. In southeast Georgia, Toombs. In west central Georgia,
Chattahoochee, Coweta, Harris, Heard, Lamar, Macon, Marion,
Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter,
Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson and Webster.

* WHEN...Through Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Areas of heavy rainfall will continue across much of north
and central Georgia through early Friday which will likely
lead to areas of flash flooding. Additional widespread
torrential rainfall is expected to overspread the area today
as Hurricane Helene approaches. Storm total rainfall of 4 to
10 inches with locally higher amounts are expected through
Friday. Widespread flooding is expected with significant
flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding possible.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings.
Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take
action should flooding develop.

&&