Hurricane Helene Could Bring Flash Flooding to Columbus and Phenix City

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Florida as a category 4 hurricane with winds up to 80 miles per hour; and although Columbus and Phenix City aren't in the eye of the storm, the area could be hit with flooding, straight-line winds and even tornadoes as the storm moves through our area.

Governor Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all 159 Georgia counties in response to Helene and the Governor's Office urges all Georgian to be prepared for the weather overnight Sept. 26 - Sept. 27 morning.

As of midnight Sept. 27, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey had not declared a State of Emergency for any county. Alabama residents can check to see if this has changed by visiting: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/category/state-of-emergency/.

Because Kemp included all counties in the State of Emergency, this means residents will be able to apply for assistance from FEMA to help them recover from the storm if they received damage to their homes.

FEMA's website states: "FEMA assistance is designed to jumpstart recovery efforts and ensure your home is livable. The assistance you receive is not likely to cover the full costs of returning your home or property to the condition it may have been in prior to the disaster. To see what types of assistance might be available to you, visit the Find Assistance page."

All residents are eligible to apply, even if they have home insurance because insurance may not cover everything.

However, to receive assistance "you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine your eligibility to receive some forms of assistance. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by your insurance."

Also, you don't have to wait until FEMA has come to inspect your home to begin the recovery process.

"Don’t wait for possible federal assistance to begin your recovery. Keep repair receipts and document damage whenever possible. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster and will discuss those damages with you when they contact you or come to your home," state's their website.

If you have questions you can contact FEMA or local officials for help:

• FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit an open recovery center to request FEMA rental assistance.
• Muscogee County Emergency Management Agency: 510 Tenth St., Columbus, Ga. 31901 (706) 225-4300.
• Russel County Emergency Management Agency: 311 Prentiss Dr. Phenix City, Ala. 36868 (334) 291-5079.

The combination of several inches of rainfall with hurricane or tropical storm force wind gusts will cause trees and powerlines to come down all over Georgia and Alabama, leading to extended power outages.

According to the Alabama EMA office: "Across Alabama, winds will be on the increase this afternoon with gusts from 25-35 mph south of I-85 and east of I-65 through through early Friday (Sept. 27), statewide gusts will be 25-35 mph and 35-50 m.p.h. in far eastern Ala.  This could down trees, cause power outages and produce some structural damage across the eastern half of the state."

There is also the potential for several tornadoes in Georgia with the Georgia Storm Prediction Center issuing an Enhanced Risk (level 3 out of 5) for tornadoes overnight Sept. 26 and Sept. 27.

Pleasant weather is expected across Georgia and Alabama this weekend with low rain chances and highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Preparedness

As Hurricane Helene approaches, all Georgians must take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

According to the Governor's Office: GEMA/HS is working closely with state and local partners to monitor the storm and coordinate emergency response efforts. Here’s how you can stay prepared and safe:

Stay Informed

• Monitor Official Sources: Keep up with updates from the National Weather Service, local news, and GEMA/HS. Follow us on social media for the latest alerts and guidance.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Ensure your severe weather notifications are turned on. Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county’s emergency management agency.
• Have a Weather Radio: A NOAA weather radio can provide life-saving alerts, even during power outages.

Make a Plan

• Know Your Evacuation Zone: If you live in a coastal area or near flood-prone zones, familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place.
• Create a Family Communication Plan: Make sure all family members know how to get in touch with each other and where to meet in case you get separated.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Charge all electronic devices, and have backup power options like battery packs and generators ready.

Build an Emergency Kit

• Essentials: Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.
• Include Special Needs: Don’t forget to pack supplies for pets, infants, elderly family members, or anyone with specific medical needs.

Secure Your Home

• Protect Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against high winds and flying debris.
• Clear Loose Items: Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and other items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Check Your Insurance: Review your homeowners’ insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane and flood damage.

Please visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/storms-disasters to prepare before Hurricane Helene makes landfall.