Governor Brian Kemp addressed the state on earlier today at a press conference, providing critical updates in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm, which tore into Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane, has claimed the lives of 11 people, including one first responder, and left over 1 million residents without power.
Governor Kemp expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, particularly noting the death of a first responder who perished while attempting a rescue. He also highlighted the areas of South Georgia that were hit hardest, with the storm’s path from Valdosta to Augusta suffering extensive damage. In Valdosta, 115 structures sustained major damage, and rescue teams had to extract individuals trapped inside.
The storm caused significant disruptions to Georgia’s transportation infrastructure. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported 150 road closures, including portions of I-16 in Lawrence County and I-20 near Augusta. To assist in recovery efforts, GDOT has redirected crews from Northwest Georgia to help address the damage in the southern part of the state.
While much of Georgia was impacted, metro Atlanta experienced flash flooding, prompting a state of emergency. Several residents had to be rescued from flooded areas, including a family with a baby and two dogs. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries were reported in Atlanta, according to Mayor Andre Dickens.
In the aftermath, the Chattahoochee River reached near-record water levels of 30 feet in some areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that water levels would continue to rise before receding later in the day. The flooding was worsened by heavy rain from a cold front that had passed through the region the day before the hurricane struck, leaving the ground saturated and prone to flooding.
Governor Kemp also announced the deployment of an additional 1,000 National Guard troops to assist with ongoing recovery efforts. These troops are in addition to the 500 soldiers called into service earlier in the week when the state of emergency was declared. The number of flight cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also continued to rise, with over 150 cancellations and 330 delays reported so far today.
As the storm weakens, Kemp urged Georgians to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. The storm is expected to produce heavy rain and potential mudslides as it moves into the Appalachian Mountains.
A recording of the entire press conference can be found on here.
