Road Closures and Hazards Related to Helene
Road hazards, closures, downed powerlines/trees and other road information can be found via the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office interactive map, on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page and below.
Flash Flood Warning
Sept. 26, 9:25 p.m. - The National Weather Services has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Southwestern Forsyth County until 3:15 a.m. Stay off the roads tonight when possible. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles
National Weather Service Update
Sept. 26, 8:15 p.m. - Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane later this evening. Conditions will deteriorate across north and central Georgia this evening and last through Friday.
- Hurricane Warnings have been expanded further northward with this update. In addition to tropical storm force winds, a few locations as far north as the ATL metro and high terrain in the northeast GA mountains could see hurricane force wind gusts.
- A High Risk for excessive rainfall will pose dangerous and potentially life-threatening instances of flash flooding and river flooding for most of the forecast area overnight through Friday morning. Please use extreme caution if you are on the roadways.
- Fast moving spin-up tornadoes will be possible overnight, especially on the eastern side of Helene. Be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
Sept. 26, 7:45 p.m. - Tips and Information from EMA/911
Emergency Operation Center Activated
Sept. 26, 7:10 p.m. - Forsyth County EMA has activated an Emergency Operations Center with local emergency and public service partners to enhance storm response, preparedness and coordination for 24 hours through Friday evening.
Latest National Weather Service in Peachtree City Update
Sept. 26, 3:30 p.m. – Hurricane Helene is expected to bring tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall to our area this evening (Thursday, Sept. 26), with the strongest winds likely occurring after midnight. Below is the latest update from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
High winds may bring down trees and power lines, so please stay off the roadways. If you must drive and encounter a downed power line, always assume it is live and keep a safe distance. Report a power outage by calling your power company.
• Sawnee EMC: (770) 887-2363
• Georgia Power: 1(888) 891-0938
A Message from Forsyth County Public Safety Leaders
Sept. 26, 2:40 p.m. – As Hurricane Helene approaches our area, keep in mind these important safety tips from your local public safety leaders:
• Reserve 911 calls for emergencies only! Call the non-emergency line at (770) 781-3087 for non-emergency needs. Report power outages to your power company.
• Avoid traveling on roads, when possible, beginning Thursday evening and through the night.
• If you encounter emergency crews — whether Sheriff, Fire, Roads & Bridges crews or others — be sure to give them space to work.
Stay safe, Forsyth!
Forsyth County Office Closures
Sept. 26, 12:40 p.m. – Due to weather conditions, general Forsyth County government offices and facilities will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. The County has a planned delayed opening for noon on Friday, Sept. 27, subject to conditions at that time.
This early closure includes County government offices, the Pet Resource Center, recycling convenience centers, Senior Services and Forsyth County Parks & Recreation facilities. All County Parks & Recreation programs and activities are canceled.
Preparedness Tips as Georgia Declares State of Emergency
Sept. 25, 2 p.m. – Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all of Georgia ahead of heavy rains, strong winds and potential flooding from Hurricane Helene. Forsyth County continues to closely monitor this storm and is preparing for potential impacts to our area.
• Be prepared by reviewing your family’s emergency plan and making sure you have a ready kit containing essential supplies your family needs (medications, bottled water, non-perishable foods, etc.).
• Secure outdoor items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, children’s toys and equipment.
• Remember to always treat downed power lines as if they are live. Report a power outage by calling your power company: Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363; Georgia Power 1 (888) 891-0938.
• Never run a generator indoors.
• Should we experience flooding, don’t drive through flooded roads and stay out of flood waters.
• Finally, stay weather aware, and sign up for Alert Forsyth at www.forsythco.com/alerts to receive severe weather notifications.
Forsyth County Monitoring Hurricane Helene
Sept. 25, 12 p.m. – Forsyth County is currently monitoring two weather events.
The first is known as a Predecessor Rain Event (PRE), which brings an increased risk of heavy rainfall and flash flooding Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Hurricane Helene brings a risk of heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging wind gusts to northern Georgia on Thursday and Friday.
Follow our Facebook page and other social media channels for updates local to Forsyth County.
National Weather Service