NWS: Tropical Storm Helene could bring 8 to 10 inches or more of rain to Habersham County

As Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to roll through Georgia later this week, Habersham County officials are preparing for any impacts that may result from it - including expected flooding and high winds.

The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, which forecasts for Habersham County, is expecting four to six inches of rain Wednesday before Helene makes it to the region.

Another three to four inches of rain will fall during Helene, starting around 8 p.m. Thursday through 2 a.m. Saturday.

The intense, prolonged rainfall could produce numerous downed trees and possible landslides.

At this time, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg is predicting a total of 8 to 10 inches of rainfall for Habersham County, with the possibility of 10 to 15 inches of rain in the Batesville area.

Forecasters predict 40-mph wind gusts beginning about 2 a.m. Friday and lasting until 8 a.m. Saturday, following torrential rainfall.

That is followed by 50-mph wind gusts (possibly as high as 63 mph) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, and 27-mph winds from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Tornadoes also are possible as the system moves across the state.

"Please don't wait to make sure you have what you need in your home in case you are unable to leave for a few days," said Habersham County E-911 / Emergency Management Agency Director Lynn Smith. "If you can go to store today to stock up on water, batteries, food, diapers, and any other itemsyou might need, that would be preferable."

Smith said Wednesday is predicted to bring very heavy rainfall.

"If we get the weather they are predicting, there will be areas responders may not be able to reach immediately," Smith said. "It's better to prepare NOW for any impacts so you're not caught without the supplies you need."

Also, those on home oxygen should make sure they have spare tanks to use if power is out for several days.

Remember these important tips:

From Tuesday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 29, all Habersham County Road Department employees are placed on an "on call" status, said Habersham County Public Works Director JerryBaggett.

"Crew leaders are taking vehicles home with chainsaws and barricades," Baggett said. "All heavy equipment needed for debris removal has been serviced and is ready as needed."

Baggett asks that travel be minimized as much as possible once effects of the storm are felt in the county.

"Low-lying areas prone to flooding will be monitored and situational reports will be published as quickly as possible," Baggett said. "Please do not cross any flooded bridges or travel roads on which the surface is not visible."

Baggett said Habersham County Public Works crews will do their best to correct issues as quickly as possible, but notes that any downed wires will hamper clean-up efforts until utility crews mitigate the safety concerns.

"We appreciate the citizens of Habersham County and urge you to please think 'safety first' when traveling for the next few days," Baggett said.

Habersham County Emergency Services Director / Chief Jeff Adams reiterated comments made by Smith and Baggett, adding it is important for the public not to approach downed trees that may include utility lines of any kind.

Utility providers urge the public to treat all lines as energized and avoid contact with them or surfaces they may touch.

The storm will most likely affect multiple counties in Georgia, resulting in power outages that could last several days, stretching utility crews and emergency responders thin.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Helene, granting him emergency powers as chief executive of the state to protect the citizens of Georgia.