Hurricane Helene: Devastating Effects in Georgia

Hurricane Helene largely spared the capital city of Atlanta on Thursday evening after changing course eastward. However, some neighborhoods experienced significant flooding, and nearly a dozen people lost their lives in other parts of Georgia. In Atlanta, the storm caused widespread power outages, leaving nearly 100,000 households without electricity on Friday. The entire region, particularly the eastern part of the state, was severely affected by the rapidly moving storm. Governor Brian Kemp reported in a press conference on Friday morning that a total of at least eleven storm-related fatalities had occurred in Georgia. Additionally, Georgia Power indicated that more than 700,000 customers were without power. While the eastern areas of Georgia were heavily impacted, the western parts of the state experienced lesser damage despite strong winds and flooding. Kemp stated that rescue teams would need to access several structures to reach people currently out of communication. In Atlanta, the torrential rain led to at least 21 water rescues in the Buckhead neighborhood. Despite a warning, no major injuries were reported, according to Allison Fouché, a spokeswoman for the Mayor's Office. Fouché mentioned that the intensity of the storm during the morning was comparable to a typical thunderstorm. However, Atlanta, known as the "City in a Forest," could still be affected by falling trees or breaking branches. Most roads remain passable, though water accumulations at the roadside persist, and many businesses remain closed until further notice. Helene struck Georgia as a hurricane from the south and weakened to a tropical storm by morning as it moved northward. The eastern part of the state was particularly affected, experiencing the majority of power outages. Two fatalities occurred in Wheeler County when a tornado overturned a mobile home. Two others died in Laurens County. In Colquitt County, the coroner confirmed another storm-related death. In Liberty County near Savannah, Al Williams reported a fatality caused by a fallen tree in the Lake George community. Williams indicated that fallen trees and debris covered the region, leaving many of his constituents without power. The details of the remaining five fatalities are not yet known.