09/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2024 15:08
Tropical Storm Helene Release #01-9/24/2024- 5pm
LOWNDES COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, August 29, 2023
CONTACT: Meghan Barwick, Public Information Officer
Telephone: (229) 671-2491
Lowndes County Emergency Management Potential Tropical Storm Helene Release #01 9/24/2024- 5pm
Lowndes County, Georgia: Lowndes County Emergency Management continues to monitor and prepare for Tropical Storm Helene. Tropical Storm Helene is still forecasted to become a significantly strong Major Hurricane before landfall. The latest forecast track calls for landfall around Apalachicola Thursday night as a Category 3 storm.
The following categories of consideration are the focus of current operations:
WEATHER:
During an afternoon briefing, the Tallahassee Division of the National Weather Service provided forecast information indicating Lowndes County may begin experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Helene during the afternoon hours on Thursday, September 26, and move out Friday morning. Based on the current models, Lowndes County will likely experience hurricane-force winds in excess of 74 mph. At this speed, winds have the potential to lift objects such as patio furniture, topple trees, break tree limbs, and damage roofs. Major damage to mobile homes can also occur. Please prepare by securing outdoor items, trimming trees that could damage structures, and considering sheltering if housing is not adequate. The forecast also includes heavy rain, which could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and other flood-prone areas. Rainfall totals are forecast in the 4-6 inch range due to the storm moving so quickly but that 4-6 inches is likely to fall in a 6-8 hour period. While impossible to forecast, hurricanes can also produce tornadoes with little to no warning. Everyone is encouraged to review their emergency plan.
SHELTERING:
Lowndes County Emergency Management has worked with Park Avenue Church, Corinth Baptist Church, and Valdosta State University to provide a safe location for those individuals living in mobile homes or substandard housing who need a location to provide shelter during the storm. These shelters are being provided as a short-term, safe place to shelter from wind. Those seeking shelter should bring supplies such as medicine, diapers, bedding, food, water and any other comfort supplies that might help pass the time.
Park Avenue Church
Corinth Baptist Church
Valdosta State University Continuing Education Building
COMMUNICATIONS:
Lowndes County Emergency Management will continue to update media outlets throughout this event. In the event of an emergency, downed power lines, or debris in a roadway, dial 911. Please do not call 911 for weather updates, traffic information, or to ask if the storm has passed. Dispatchers will be very busy assisting public safety personnel and managing needs related to actual emergencies. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for Lowndes County's free emergency notification system, AlertLowndes, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com, and clicking on the storm icon. Every home and business should also have a working NOAA weather radio in the event all power is lost.
SANDBAGS:
Both Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta have site locations to provide sand and sandbags for residents. Sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations; however, residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags. Sandbags are limited to ten bags per household.
Lowndes County locations
City of Valdosta locations
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT
There is no guarantee that FEMA will declare our community a disaster area after the storm. Therefore, debris haulers may not be available to remove debris from the right-of-way in front of private property.
City of Valdosta Updates:
We encourage all Lowndes County residents to follow a few links that will provide the most up-to-date information for our area during Tropical Storm Helene:
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.