Hurricane Helene has shifted its likely course to the east, so most of the Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia is in its path.

Since most of us seem to be in the hurricane of the month club, you probably all already know what to do. But a reminder might not hurt.

Hurricane Helene heading to Suwannee River Basin 2024-09-26. Be prepared. Evacuate if near water.
Map by National Hurricane Center.

According to NBC News, Helene is a Category 4 hurricane now, which means maximum sustained wind speeds of 130 miles per hour or more. Landfall is expected in a few hours, maybe as a Cat 3 (111-129 mph).

It may even be a Cat 2 (96-110 mph) well into Georgia. Even a Cat 1 (74-95 mph) is no joke, and for much of Helene’s inland path would be unprecedented.

If your county or city has an evacuation order, please pay attention. There was already flooding yesterday in Ben Hill County, Georgia, which is well more than 100 miles from the Gulf.

Even if it doesn’t, if you live near a river or a coast, heading uphill would be prudent.

Peak Surge, Hurricane Helene, 2024-09-26 17:00, National Hurricane Center

Peak storm surge along Florida’s Big Bend, including Cedar Key, Suwannee, and Horseshoe Beach, is 10-15 feet. If it hits as a Cat 4, maybe higher.

• GEMA has a good list of what to do. It notes Georgia State Parks are open for evacuees, with pets, including horses.
• Florida Emergency Management has a list of evacuation orders. I’m not sure it is up to date.

WCTV is keeping an updated list of evacuation orders and curfews in Florida and Georgia.

In the Suwannee River Basin, Dixie County has mandatory evacuation of coastal communites, RVs, etc. Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties have mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders for mobile homes, RVs, etc., and for structures near waterways.

In Georgia, apparently there are no evacuation orders. However, Thomas County and the cities of Bainbridge and Valdosta have evening curfews. Many school systems and government offices have closed.

The entire state of Georgia is under a hurricane disaster declaration, as well as 61 of the 67 Florida counties.

Federal emergency declarations are in effect for both Florida and Georgia.

The Hurricane Warning zone extends up to Atlanta, and the Tropical Storm Warning zone extends throughout South Carolina and halfway up the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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