UPDATES: Recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — We're tracking the latest recovery updates following Hurricane Helene, including where to go for support, supplies and services.

Sunday 5:30 p.m.

Taylor County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management has announced there will be two free fueling stations in the county. The Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach Boat Ramps will have free fueling from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each individual can fill one vehicle and five 5-gallon containers.

Sunday 4:50 p.m.

Former President Donald Trump will speak in Valdosta on Monday afternoon.

Sunday 3:45 p.m.

School districts are making assessments on when they will be able to reopen. Find our complete list here.

Sunday 2 p.m.

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management is putting out the call for volunteers.

They need assistance donations, distribution and coordination, and shelter setup. Anyone interested can call 305-399-2191.

Sunday 11 a.m.
City of Valdosta release:

Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update on Helene response in Florida. Key details:

• 227,607 Floridians remain without power. More than 2.1 million people have had power restored.
• The Florida Disaster Fund, overseen by Volunteer Florida, is now accepting donations. The fund partners with public and private organizations to assist communities.You can donate here.
• Florida National Guard has rescued 155 people and 56 animals. USAR teams have rescued 13 people.
• The Florida Department of Transportation has more than 2,100 workers assigned to storm response.
• The first temporary housing trailers have arrived in the areas hardest hit.

Watch his full update in the video player below.

Sunday 9:45 a.m.

President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Florida. The declaration allows federal disaster funding and assistant programs to be deployed in Florida, supplementing state efforts.

Saturday 7:41 p.m.

Churches are coming together to help people in Perry recover from Hurricane Helene.

Generators, water and even diapers were among the list of items handed out to neighbors in need.

Volunteers like Reverend Don Tolliver from Bethel Missionary Baptist church lent their hand to help.

As those in Perry navigated their way through the recovery mode phase of Helene one woman shared her gratitude that the worst has passed.

See more of AJ Douglas' report here.

Saturday 6:54 p.m.

Valdosta's Academy Sports + Outdoors will distribute free 24-packs of bottled water on Sunday while supplies last.

Customers should look for the 18-wheeler parked in the front of the store to get their free case of bottled water.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is located at 455 Norman Dr. in Valdosta. The giveaway starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 29.

Saturday 6:39 p.m.

Historic storm surge left devastation behind in Steinhatchee.

That's why Todd and Kerri Bowen said they expected destruction at their cabin by the Steinhatchee River.

Their cabin was lifted off it's foundation, fhe flood lines visible on the outside of the home.

NWS data shows the storm surge reached nine feet in Steinhatchee. Lines in another structure on their property show water came up even further than that on their property.

Read more from Kendall Brandt's report here.

Saturday 6:21 p.m.

The City of Tallahassee is adjusting garbage and recycling pick up dates to make up for delays caused by Hurricane Helene.

"To catch up on missed days, the City will adjust residential solid waste collection by two days during the coming week, starting Monday, Sept. 30," the city said in a Facebook post. Here's the adjusted schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 26, customers ► Monday, Sept. 30
Friday, Sept. 27, customers ► Tuesday, Oct. 1
Monday, Sept. 30, customers ► Wednesday, Oct. 2
Tuesday, Oct. 1, customers ► Thursday, Oct. 3
Wednesday, Oct. 2, customers ► Friday, Oct. 4
Thursday, Oct. 3, customers ► Saturday, Oct. 5
Friday, Oct. 4, customers ► Sunday, Oct. 6

Saturday 5:27 p.m.

The Taylor County community is regrouping after hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday evening.

"Devastation, it's just truly devastation," said Emergency Management Director, John Louk, about damage he's seeing in Taylor County's coastal communities. Louk said they saw record breaking storm surge.

In more inland places like Perry, neighbors are taking a deep breath after surveying damage.

See more of Maya Sargent's report here.

Saturday 4:50 p.m.

There have been no interruptions to the City of Valdosta's water services "despite concerns circulating in the community," the city said Saturday afternoon.

"The city’s water supply remains safe and fully operational," the city said in a news release. "Additionally, there is no active boil water advisory at this time."

Valdosta's water treatment facility is operating without any issues, the release said. You can check the city's website for additional updates and further information.

City of Valdosta

Saturday 4:16 p.m.

(AP) Ten of the 11 people who died in Florida as a result of Hurricane Helene lived in the Tampa Bay area, officials said Saturday. The other victim was killed when a tree fell on a house in Dixie County, in north Florida.

Nine of the victims lived in mandatory evacuation zones in Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg is located, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Each of those victims drowned in their homes, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. They ranged in age from 37 to 89.

The other victim died when a sign fell onto a car in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood.

Saturday 3:39 p.m.

WTXL Meteorologist Riley Winch shared some stunning maps that illustrate the difference in power outages between the left and right sides of Hurricane Helene.

"No two storms are alike, but all have worse impacts on the right side of the storm relative to its motion," Winch said in his post.

See his full post below:

Saturday 3:14 p.m.

The Florida Disaster Fund has been activated to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, Gov. Ron DeDsantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Saturday.

The fund is part of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and is the State's official private fund established to assist communities in Florida. The fund supports response and recovery activities.

Donations made to the Disaster Fund are tax-deductible, and can be made by visiting FloridaDisasterFund.org. You can also mail the below address - checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include "Florida Disaster Fund" in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
1545 Raymond Diehl Road Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Floridians who are in need of support can connect with Hope Florida by visiting www.HopeFlorida.comor calling the Hope Line (833-GET-HOPE).

Saturday 2:45 p.m.

In a news conference in Tampa Saturday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials gave several updates on the ongoing recovery from Helene.

DeSantis said that power had already been restored to 2 million accounts, while 429,000 accounts were still without power in the state.

A "big chunk" of those accounts are in Pinellas County, the governor said.

The news conference also covered many other topics, including avoiding scammers and rebuilding area roads. You can watch the full news conference below:

Saturday 2:25 p.m.

Talquin Electric Cooperative reports that as of 1 p.m. Saturday, 25,800 meters have been restored. 8,429 meters are still without power.

Talquin expects that system-wide restoration will hit 90% by 10 p.m. Saturday night.

“We have assembled a force of mutual aid crews from 54 electric cooperatives and contractors, from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, to support what will be one of the largest power restoration efforts in our history,” said Tracy Bensley, General Manager.

You can track all ongoing power outages on our website here.

Saturday 1:41 p.m.

Sumatra and Wilma received the most rain in Florida from Helene, according to the National Weather Service. Sumatra received 15.91" of rain, and Wilma saw 11.94".

In Georgia, Tallulah tops the list, with 14.22". Dillard saw 14.06", and the Atlanta International Airport got 11.13" of rain.

Saturday 1:20 p.m.

Leon County has opened five points of distribution for residents. Each site will offer food, water, and tarps free of charges.

Each location will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. once opened.

Get information on the locations of the five sites here.

Saturday 12:38 p.m.

In a Saturday news conference, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared the tragic news that Georgia has suffered 17 fatalities from Hurricane Helene, including firefighter Leon Davis, who died when a tree fell on his vehicle while he was responding to a call.

Kemp also shared that Georgia is dealing with mud slides and avalanches in the northern part of the state due to extreme amounts of rainfall.

You can watch the full news conference below:

Saturday 12:33 p.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis visited the Keaton Beach area today, near where Helen made landfall. On X, Gov. DeSantis shared that no storm-related deaths have been reported in Taylor County.

Saturday 11:08 a.m.

The City of Valdosta has extended the citywide curfew from 6 p.m. tonight, September 28, until further notice. The city says the curfew is needed to help with clearing roads without disruptions.

Saturday 10:20 a.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update on hurricane recovery in Perry with state and federal agencies. Officials are beginning the process of providing temporary housingto those who lost their homes. Watch in the player below.

Saturday 9:45 a.m.

The City of Tallahassee reports that as of 9 a.m. Saturday, its electric grid is 94% restored.

Saturday 9:00 a.m.

We're compiling services and points of distribution in this list.Florida Department of Children and Families has announced too locations for the Hope Bus in Taylor County today.

Saturday 1:00 a.m.

Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced its first Point of Distribution site will open Saturday at 12 p.m. at Lewis Sr. Woodville Park & Recreation Complex off Woodville Highway in Tallahassee.

Food, water, tarps and more will be distributed at the site.

Power has been restored to nearly 2 million customers across Florida, but outages remain for about half a million people.

Friday 10:40 p.m.

“I was expecting and planning for the worst,” neighbors begin recovery efforts in Wakulla County. ABC27’s Kenzie Krueger talked with residents of the Panacea Neighborhood after Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida.

An in-depth look at Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in Live Oak by ABC27’s Kenya Cardonne.

Friday 9:50 p.m.

“It’s been really rough,” ABC27’s Ashley Engle talked with the homeowner who had a tree fall through his Monticello home during Hurricane Helene’s path in Florida.

Friday 9:10 p.m.
Governor Ron DeSantis gives an update on homes with/without power due to Hurricane Helene.

Friday 8:00 p.m.

Although the State of Florida has restored 1,573,907 accounts, to date there are 828,548 Floridians without power after the path of Hurricane Helene. Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie provide updates on the recovery efforts in progress.

Friday 7:22 p.m.

“The damage from this storm [of Hurricane] Helene, compared to [Hurricane] Idalia is not even comparable,” Governor Ron DeSantis shares what he’s seen in Florida cities like Perry and where he will visit on Saturday.

Friday 6:22 p.m.

Friday 6:00 p.m.

Hurricane Helene left more than 6,000 homes without power in Thomasville. ABC27’s Layan Abu Tarboush talks with neighbors in the area that lost power due to the storm.

Friday 5:30 p.m.

ABC27’s Terry Gilliam is talking with community members following Hurricane Helene which left flooded roads and tree limbs on power lines in the Jake Gaither Neighborhood.

Friday 5:10 p.m.

Leon County officials announced that they have expanded the hours of their Rural Waste Centers following Hurricane Helene and have posted the following information:

“Starting Saturday, September 28, the County’s Rural Waste Service Centers will expand its hours to the following until further notice”:

• Saturday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents can visit the following centers:

• Woodville, 549 Henry Jones Road
• Fort Braden, 2485 East Joe Thomas Road
• Miccosukee, 13051 Miccosukee Road

Friday 4:37 p.m.

The city of Tallahassee posted the following video that shows the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in an apartment complex. “I heard a loud crack and looked over and saw a massive tree coming down, it almost seemed [like it was in] slow motion,” an apartment complex neighbor recounts what she saw from her doorstep.

Friday 3:20 p.m.

Tallahassee has restored power to 77% of customers affected by Hurricane Helene— more than 30,000 people have had power restored so far.

Friday 3:00 p.m.

Leon County Schools have closed their shelters and are now pivoting to ensuring that schools are ready to reopen on Monday.

Friday 1:40 p.m.

The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office has announced that the evacuation order for Wakulla County has been lifted and residents can return to their homes.

Friday 1:00 p.m.

Taylor County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management has search and rescue teams deployed. To assist in these missions, they are asking people to stay away from the areas most impacted by Helene.

Perry residents are assessing damage to their homes today.

Friday 9:34 a.m.
Authorities rescued people trapped by floodwaters and more than 3 million customers were in the dark across much of the southeastern U.S. as Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday after making landfall overnight in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm.

Helene came ashore amid warnings from the National Hurricane Center that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge. There were at least four storm-related deaths.

Friday 9:20 a.m.

Rhonda Bell and her husband were spending a sleepless night in the downstairs bedroom of their century-old home just outside Valdosta, Georgia, when Helene’s center passed early Friday in the hours after midnight.

The winds broke off tree limbs, tore away neighbors’ roof shingles and knocked down fence panels in the neighborhood with train tracks along one edge. Then came a crashing sound louder than the rest.

Mike Stewart/AP

“I just felt the whole house shake,” Bell said after daybreak Friday.

A towering oak tree outside the house smashed through the roof of an upstairs bedroom and collapsed onto the living room below. The massive tree roots popped out of the ground, leaving a gaping muddy hole.

“ Thank God we’re both alive to tell about it,” Bell said.

Friday 9:15 a.m.
Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, looks at the damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Friday 9:00 a.m.

Many parts of Florida experienced unprecedented storm surges during Hurricane Helene. Some areas across the state hit new record highs for storm surge levels.

Hurricane Center

Record-breaking storm surge hits Florida

Leilyn Torres

Friday 8:15 a.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m.

Friday 7:45 a.m.

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities are rescuing people trapped by floodwaters and more than 3 million customers are in the dark across much of the southeastern U.S. as Hurricane Helene weakens to a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday.

The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm overnight amid warnings from the National Hurricane Center that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge.

There were at least three storm-related deaths. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina.

Friday 7:30 a.m.

Friday 7:15 a.m.

Friday 7:00 a.m.

"We did find out from the state that there was at least one storm-related fatality here in Florida. We know of two others up in Georgia, those were connected to tornadoes that touched down. But here in Florida, one fatality that happened in Ybor City or just outside of it on I-4. It sounds like a car that was on the road there was hit by a road sign that came down as it was driving."

In Your Neighborhood

Gov. DeSantis warns 'additional loss of life' likely after Helene hits Florida

WTXL Digital Staff

Friday 6:15 a.m.

Helene update from the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

"A lot of people in this community are obviously breathing a sigh of relief. The big reason why, of course, is because Helene did not make a direct impact on the capital city. There was a lot of expectation leading up to this storm that we would see unprecedented damage. That didn't happen. Doesn't mean that there isn't damage here in Tallahassee, there are still a lot of trees down there, a lot of roads that are clogged with that kind of debris, and the crews are now starting that effort to try and clean things up. There is some damage to homes as well. I don't want to discount that, but this is nowhere near the level of what we were expecting originally. So that is some good news.

But the bad news is, of course, what didn't happen here in Tallahassee has happened in other parts of the state. The Big Bend region, got a huge swath of damage. Just nasty stuff out there in some parts of the state. If you're looking at the power outages map overall right now, you're seeing about 1.2 million customers that are without power. And the problem is it's going to be tough to get out there and fix all of that, because a lot of those roads are clogged with debris, just like here in Tallahassee, some of the main highways, some of the interstates still have trees down, and that stuff needs to be moved out of the way before a lineman can get out there.

"We did find out from the state that there was at least one storm-related fatality here in Florida. We know of two others up in Georgia, those were connected to tornadoes that touched down. But here in Florida, one fatality that happened in Ybor City or just outside of it on I-4. It sounds like a car that was on the road there was hit by a road sign that came down as it was driving."

Friday 5:45 a.m.

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Helene has weakened to a Tropical Storm over Georgia with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center says Helene continues to weaken while moving further inland over Georgia.

The storm was about 40 miles east of Macon and about 100 miles southeast of Atlanta, moving north at 30 mph at 5 a.m. The center says Helene came ashore Thursday evening in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Officials have forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet and warned they could be particularly “catastrophic and unsurvivable” in Florida’s Apalachee Bay.

Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina.

At least three deaths have been reported.

Friday 5:30 a.m.

Elizabeth Copeland provides power update in Tallahassee, Florida after Hurricane Helene

Friday 5:00 a.m.

Alberto Camargo provides Hurricane Helene update from Northwest Tallahassee

Friday 5:00 a.m.

Maya Sargent provides a Hurricane Helene update from Perry, Florida

Friday 4:00 a.m.

Taylor County Emergency Management is urging people to stay off the roads this morning until officials indicate that it's safe to do so.

Friday 3:45 a.m.

A tractor-trailer left the eastbound lanes of I-10 at mile marker 217. Florida Highway Patrol is reporting several roadways and highway lanes blocked by debris.

Friday 3:00 a.m.

There are several highways and roadways blocked by fallen trees in the Big Bend. East of Tallahassee, westbound lanes of I-10 are blocked. A photo taken by Tim Marshall shows Good Samaritans cutting and removing trees.

Tim Marshall

Friday 2:30 a.m.

Hurricane Helene has weakened to a Category 1 storm as it continues to move north. See the latest forecast in the video player below.

Friday 1:15 a.m.

Neighborhood reporter Kenya Cardonne spotted a tin roof torn from a building in Live Oak during Hurricane Helene.

Friday 1:03 a.m.

The Lowndes County Emergency Operations Center camera caught sparks and flashes as Helene moves into Valdosta.

Friday 12:35 a.m.

We're seeing the first images and videos of damage from Hurricane Helene.

In Perry, a hotel sustained damage from strong winds from the storm.

In Midtown Tallahassee, a tree fell on a home.

Friday 12:25 a.m.

Premilinary reports from the National Weather Service indicate that the storm surge on the Steinhatchee River has reached 9.6 feet, breaking the record set during Hurricane Idalia last year.

Thursday 11:37 p.m.

Thousands of power outages are being reported across our neighborhoods. You can find the latest information on outages by using the links at the top of this page.

WTXL

Thursday 11:25 p.m.

BREAKING: According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene has officially made landfall southwest of Perry as a category 4 storm.

Thursday 11:16 p.m.

Governor Ron Desantis is giving an update on Hurricane Helene as the storm nears official landfall:

Thursday 11:10 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center issues its latest advisory as Hurricane Helene nears landfall:

Thursday 10:50 p.m.

WATCH: The power goes out during a live report from WTXL's Kenzie Krueger as wind and rain hit Crawfordville:

Thursday 10:30 p.m.

WTXL's Ashley Engle interviews a Bed and Breakfast owner who says he has guests coming to stay for a wedding who still haven't canceled their reservations:

Thursday 10:15 p.m.

Right now, the City of Tallahassee is reporting more than 3,600 power outages. For the latest power outage information, use the links at the top of this page.

Thursday 10:00 p.m.

The wind and rain are picking up in some areas. You can see conditions deteriorating in Live Oak in this report from WTXL's Kenya Cardonne:

Thursday 9:40 p.m.

Officials are warning the public about high winds as Hurricane Helene inches closer. Forrest Saunders reports on the potential damage that wind could cause:

Thursday 9:15 p.m.

An extreme wind warning has been issued for the Big Bend:

Thursday 9:00 p.m.

Power outages update:
-City of Tallahassee: 450+ customers without power
-Talquin Electric: 800+ customers without power in Wakulla County
-Duke Energy: 211 outages near Crawfordville and 2,000 outages in Franklin County

Thursday 8:31 p.m.

Conditions continue to deteriorate across the Big Bend region. Here's a look at the roads from our crew traveling from Taylor County to Suwannee County:

Thursday 8:14 p.m.

People and pets continue to arrive at the emergency shelters provided by Leon County Schools.

Thursday 8:00 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for many Florida counties, including some in the Big Bend region, and many counties in south Georgia.

Thursday 7:50 p.m.

Power outages update: Duke Energy is reporting 178 customers without power just south of Crawfordville and 430 customers without power near Eastpoint.

Thursday 7:43 p.m.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Poplar Springs Rd. (south of Black Rd.) and Caverns Rd. (near Marianna K-8) are both impassable due to water over the road. You should never drive through standing water on the road.

Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Hundreds of new power outages have now been reported in Tallahassee. According to the City of Tallahassee, 345 customers are now without power near Park Avenue East.

Thursday 7:21 p.m.

Officials with Leon County Schools say many people, and pets, are using their emergency shelters:

Thursday 7:14 p.m.

Lowndes County EMA is now urging people in mobile homes to move to one of the emergency shelters open in the county.

Thursday 7:05 p.m.

Conditions continue to deteriorate in Wakulla County due to Hurricane Helene. You can see the high winds and choppy water in this report from WTXL's Kenzie Krueger:

Thursday 6:45 p.m.

BREAKING: Helene has now strengthened to a category 4 hurricane.

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Conditions are starting to worsen in Steinhatchee as Hurricane Helene approaches. Watch this update from WTXL's Kenya Cardonne:

Thursday 6:15 p.m.

Power outage update: According to the City of Tallahassee, 1,490 customers are now without power in the northern area of Tallahassee near N. Meridian Rd.

Thursday 5:58 p.m.

We are beginning to see some power outages in Wakulla County. According to Talquin Electric, 639 customers have lost power in the Shadeville area. We will continue to update power outage numbers as Hurricane Helene moves through the Big Bend.

Thursday 5:50 p.m.

Here's the latest update from Governor Ron Desantis on Hurricane Helene:

Thursday 5:45 p.m.

Lowndes County EMA officials say Hurricane Helene has shifted east and the whole county is now in the direct path of the storm:

Thursday 5:35 p.m.

Now is the time to get to a safe place as Hurricane Helene approaches. There are shelters open across the Big Bend region. You can find more information here: https://www.wtxl.com/weather/hurricane-center/live-updates-shelters-opening-as-evacuation-orders-are-issued-ahead-of-tropical-storm-helene

Thursday 5:25 p.m.

Here's a look at the worsening conditions in Wakulla County from WTXL's Kenzie Krueger:

Thursday 5:11 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center has just issued the latest update on the strength of Hurricane Helene and where the storm is heading:

Thursday 4:55 p.m.

Right now, we are monitoring power outages, and there are no major updates to report at this time. You can find the latest power outage information on this live blog as Hurricane Helene approaches.

WTXL's Ashley Engle spoke with the Jefferson County Sheriff about how his department is preparing for outages:

Thursday 4:37 p.m.

Many local schools have announced they will be closed tomorrow due to the expected impact from Hurricane Helene.

You can find the latest information on closures here: https://www.wtxl.com/weather/hurricane-center/developing-school-systems-closing-ahead-of-storm-see-which-districts-are-affected

Thursday 4:20 p.m.

Hurricane Helene continues to inch closer to the Big Bend. Here's the latest forecast from Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse:

Thursday 3:47 p.m.

ABC 27's Alberto Camargo spoke with FSU students about how they are preparing for Hurricane Helene, and a shelter that is open to currently enrolled students:

Thursday 3:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning including Wewahitchka, Beacon Hill, and Kinard until 4:45 p.m:

Thursday 3:15 p.m.

Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, the Florida National Guard has activated approximately 3,600 Guardsmen in support of Hurricane Helene response efforts and are pre-staging forces throughout the state to ensure we can quickly response after the storm makes landfall.

The FLNG has positioned Liaison Officers in 18 counties and has positioned seven route clearance teams for immediate action following the hurricane's landfall. Additionally, our aviation assets are positioned and ready for immediate engagement upon weather clearance.

Thursday 2:35 p.m.

In compliance with O.C.G.A 38-3-28, Bainbridge Public Safety will be enforcing a curfew for the City of Bainbridge. Please shelter in place beginning Thursday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m. to Friday,

Thursday, 2:30 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Helene is now a major, Category 3 storm with winds near 120 mph. Additional strengthening is expected before the storm makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend this evening.

Thursday, 1:20 p.m.

StarMetro will suspend all service at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Hurricane Helene is making its way up the Gulf and is expected to make landfall Thursday evening as a Category 3 storm. Watch the video player below for the latest forecast from meteorologist Riley Winch: