The Georgia Department of Transportation said it is actively monitoring conditions and preparing for Hurricane Helene as the storm approaches.
Impacts will be felt statewide beginning today and overnight by this storm. As a result, all Georgia DOT district offices and personnel have equipment ready for deployment when needed.
As the National Weather Service projected, Helene will bring extremely damaging winds, heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening flash flooding statewide. Severe impacts are likely for citizens throughout the state, including downed trees, power outages and possible tornado activity – all of which will likely impact travel on Georgia roads.
A current state of emergency remains in place in Georgia until Oct. 2.
With the projected high rainfall amounts associated with Hurricane Helene, motorists are reminded to use extreme caution on roadways while traveling and to avoid travel if possible as the storm moves through Georgia. Motorists are reminded to remain cognizant of standing or rushing water and to respond appropriately to road conditions that could change quickly.
When heavy rainfall occurs in a very short amount of time, water on roadways – even with storm drains that function well under normal rainfall – can rise temporarily, similar to creeks and rivers. Motorists should take caution and be prepared to turn around when encountering water in the roadway. Vehicles can get swept away by as little as twelve inches of moving water.
Georgia DOT crews will continue their work and monitor the weather conditions while doing so. However, for the safety of employees, once the winds reach 40 MPH, crews will begin to shelter in place and will stop cleanup and debris removal from interstates and state routes.
Once the storm has passed and the winds have subsided, crews will return to cleanup efforts. Priority will be placed on interstates, then state routes, with the highest priority given to routes to hospitals and other essential public services.
Crews have already addressed flood-prone areas due to earlier rainfall and are ensuring storm drains are cleared to minimize standing water on interstates and state routes. In the event that motorists have to drive, be sure to follow 511GA for up-to-date road closures.
Motorists are also reminded that in the event that a signalized intersection has no power, treat that intersection as a four-way stop. Motorists can also expect detours and road closures due to debris, downed trees and power lines and potential roadway flooding as the department responds to the weather event.
