Message from the City of Valdosta regarding Hurricane Helene

According to the latest information from the National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene is projected to intensify and could severely impact Valdosta by Thursday night. The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it approaches the Florida coast.

Residents of Valdosta are strongly advised to take immediate safety precautions, complete all necessary preparations, and follow any posted warnings as the storm approaches. High winds and heavy rainfall are anticipated. Preparations should include:

• Assess your property and ensure yard furniture, trash bins, toys, and equipment are secured.
• Avoid performing any large pruning of shrubs and trees unless immediate disposal of waste material is possible.
• Ensure no debris on your property could float or be blown away, as it could block storm drains and prevent proper water flow through the community.
• Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio.
• Monitor weather conditions closely and remain alert to changing forecasts.
• Register your cell number with Red Alert: https://tinyurl.com/AlertLowndes (https://tinyurl.com/AlertLowndes).

The City of Valdosta is in full storm preparation mode, actively monitoring Hurricane Helene and preparing for potential severe weather conditions. Ongoing storm preparations by City staff include:

• Coordinating with Lowndes County EMA and GEMA for storm updates.
• Ensuring adequate personnel are on standby, with additional staff assigned to key City facilities to respond quickly to storm damage.
• Cleaning out catch basins, road culverts, and storm pipes of leaves and debris to ensure proper water flow through the City's stormwater system.
• Inspecting and fueling all necessary small equipment and vehicles, with an adequate fuel supply on hand.
• Verifying inventory of materials and supplies needed for restoration efforts.
• Fully charging handheld radios, cell phones, and other electronic devices, ensuring all internal and external communications protocols are in place.
• Citizens using generators should observe safety precautions. Generators must be placed in well-ventilated areas, away from doors or windows that could allow carbon monoxide indoors. Generators should also be turned off and cooled down before refueling.

The City of Valdosta will continue to monitor Hurricane Helene's track and provide updates on social media and the City's website as needed. Citizens are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and local emergency management information through the following websites:

National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

National Weather Service Tallahassee: www.weather.gov/tae/

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