Hurricane Helene updates: Helene upgraded to ‘dangerous, major’ Category 4 hurricane

ATLANTA — Here’s what you need to know:

• Hurricane Helene is just hours away from making landfall as it moves from the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm.
• Helene is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Big Bend Thursday evening around 9-10 p.m.
• Hurricane Warnings include Butts, Jasper, Pike, Upson, Lamar and Spalding counties.
• All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia are under a Tropical Storm Warning.
• Helene is expected to remain a Category 2 storm as it moves into south Georgia
• Could still be a Category 1 storm when it moves into the southern part of the Channel 2 Action News viewing area.
• For the heart of the Atlanta metro area and North, expect tropical storm conditions
• The storm will have moved out by Friday afternoon
• Parts of North Georgia could see an additional 4-8 hours on top of the rain we have gotten over the last couple of days
• On Thursday morning, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Georgia to send federal assistance to the state.
• Possible extensive wind and tree damage expected
• Tornadoes are also possible
• Rivers expected to reach flood-stage
• 1/3 of the state of Georgia is now under a rare HIGH RISK for flooding through early Friday.

Severe Weather Team 2 is monitoring Hurricane Helene around the clock and making sure you have the latest information to keep you and your family safe.

Hurricane Helene officially formed in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm. On Thursday evening, it strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane.

It is expected to make landfall on Thursday night along Florida’s Big Bend.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan says the storm is moving fast and will make its way across Georgia and into metro Atlanta and north Georgia late Thursday night and into Friday morning.

The NWS’ latest update shows a slight shift east of metro Atlanta, but Monahan says hurricane conditions are expected all the way through Georgia.

The highest impacts over the eastern parts of metro Atlanta and north Georgia will be winds as high as 60 miles per hour.

Heavy rainfall will continue through Thursday and into early Friday morning. North Georgia can expect to see anywhere between six and 12 inches of rain.

All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia are under a Tropical Storm Warning. A Flood Warning is also in effect through Friday afternoon.

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How strong is Helene?

Around 2:30 p.m., the National Weather Service shared an update confirming that Helene has now strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane, which is being considered a “dangerous, major hurricane.”

The NWS says Helene has sustained winds of 120 miles per hour.

It is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night.

Monahan says that the storm will slowly start to weaken as it moves across Georgia, but it’s unclear how strong it will be by the time it reaches metro Atlanta.

[INTERACTIVE: StormTracker 2HD Radar]

When will Helene move into Georgia?

Monahan says Helene is moving quickly. So once it makes landfall late Thursday in Florida, it is expected to quickly make its way into Georgia and into north Georgia by late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

As it moves in, Georgians can expect to see heavy rains and strong winds. Monahan said to expect sustained winds of 40-60 mph, and gusts of 60-75+ mph.

Along the track and to the east of Helene’s center, there will be a risk of a brief, spin-up tornado. So depending on the exact path Helene follows, parts of metro Atlanta could see a tornado risk.

[INTERACTIVE: StormTracker 2HD Radar]

Are schools open?

Dozens of school districts and universities across metro Atlanta and north Georgia have shut down on Thursday and Friday. Others are choosing to stay open on Thursday while closing on Friday.

You can see a full list of school closures by clicking here.

Has the government responded?

On Tuesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency through Oct. 2. What does a state of emergency do? The order essentially frees up emergency funds for areas that could be impacted and mobilizes agencies to help with preparation, response and recovery before and after a storm.

The order also allows up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to help with storm preparation and response.

President Joe Biden, also on Tuesday, approved a “major disaster declaration” for FEMA to assist the state.

Channel 2′s Tom Regan spoke with Georgia Emergency Management Agency officials who say they are already preparing for the storm and warning Georgians to stay alert and have a plan before the storm’s effects move into the area.

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Heavy rain last night, this morning, and into afternoon ahead of Helene

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