09/24/2024
Lowndes County Emergency Management Potential Tropical Storm Helene Release #01 9/24/2024- 5pm
Lowndes County, Georgia: Lowndes County Emergency Management continues to monitor and prepare for Tropical Storm Helene. Tropical Storm Helene is still forecasted to become a significantly strong Major Hurricane before landfall. The latest forecast track calls for landfall around Apalachicola Thursday night as a Category 3 storm.
The following categories of consideration are the focus of current operations:
WEATHER:
During an afternoon briefing, the Tallahassee Division of the National Weather Service provided forecast information indicating Lowndes County may begin experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Helene during the afternoon hours on Thursday, September 26, and move out Friday morning. Based on the current models, Lowndes County will likely experience hurricane-force winds in excess of 74 mph. At this speed, winds have the potential to lift objects such as patio furniture, topple trees, break tree limbs, and damage roofs. Major damage to mobile homes can also occur. Please prepare by securing outdoor items, trimming trees that could damage structures, and considering sheltering if housing is not adequate. The forecast also includes heavy rain, which could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and other flood-prone areas. Rainfall totals are forecast in the 4-6 inch range due to the storm moving so quickly but that 4-6 inches is likely to fall in a 6-8 hour period. While impossible to forecast, hurricanes can also produce tornadoes with little to no warning. Everyone is encouraged to review their emergency plan.
SHELTERING:
Lowndes County Emergency Management has worked with Park Avenue Church, Corinth Baptist Church, and Valdosta State University to provide a safe location for those individuals living in mobile homes or substandard housing who need a location to provide shelter during the storm. These shelters are being provided as a short-term, safe place to shelter from wind. Those seeking shelter should bring supplies such as medicine, diapers, bedding, food, water and any other comfort supplies that might help pass the time.
Park Avenue Church
Shelter will open sometime Thursday morning, September 26, 2024, and will remain open until Tropical Storm conditions subside. Official shelter opening time will be announced as we continue to monitor the storm.
Individuals coming to the shelter should park in parking lot A, which is on the corner of East Park Avenue and Patterson Street. The shelter entrance will be through the double doors facing Patterson Street.
This shelter is available for individuals who have medical equipment requiring electricity, such as oxygen concentrators.
Corinth Baptist Church
Shelter will open on Thursday, September 26, at 4 p.m. Corinth Baptist Church is located at 4089 Corinth Road, Lake Park, Georgia 31636
Valdosta State University Continuing Education Building
Shelter will open on Thursday, September 26, at 2 pm. The VSU Continuing Education building is located at 903 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia.
This shelter will be pet-friendly. Residents with animals needing shelter must bring a crate, food, leash, bottled water, and medications. Owners must provide a rabies vaccination certificate and a proof of distemper parvo/feline distemper vaccine. Pets will not be allowed outside of crates in general shelter areas.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Lowndes County Emergency Management will continue to update media outlets throughout this event. In the event of an emergency, downed power lines, or debris in a roadway, dial 911. Please do not call 911 for weather updates, traffic information, or to ask if the storm has passed. Dispatchers will be very busy assisting public safety personnel and managing needs related to actual emergencies. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, AlertLowndes, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com, and clicking on the storm icon. Every home and business should also have a working NOAA weather radio in the event all power is lost.
SANDBAGS:
Both Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta have site locations to provide sand and sandbags for residents. Sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations; however, residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags. Sandbags are limited to ten bags per household.
Lowndes County locations
The Fire Station on Shiloh Road, Station 6: 6031 Shiloh Road, Hahira, Georgia
The Fire Station on Upper New Bethel Road, Station 6: 6187 Upper New Bethel Road, Valdosta, Georgia
The Fire Station on Old Quitman Hwy: 3979 Old Quitman Highway Valdosta, GA
The old Fire Station location in Clyattville: 5000 Cedar Drive Valdosta, GA
City of Valdosta locations
5 Points
Intersection of Lee Street and Savannah Avenue
City Lot on 1025 W Hill Avenue
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT
There is no guarantee that FEMA will declare our community a disaster area after the storm. Therefore, debris haulers may not be available to remove debris from the right-of-way in front of private property.
If you have a contractor assist with fallen trees/debris. DO NOT let them leave vegetative debris on your property or on the right of way.
Report damage to your insurance company before work begins.
DO NOT let an unlicensed contractor perform work on your property.
Call 229-671-2790 to report solicitation of unlicensed contractors.
City of Valdosta Updates:
Keeping debris out of nearby storm drains and ditches.
Reporting clogged ditches and culverts to the Stormwater Division.
Secure outdoor items/furniture to prevent potential blockages.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Contact the Stormwater Division at 229-259-3530 to report blocked storm drains or flooding issues within the city limits.
Please stay off local roadways during and after storm conditions for your safety and to allow first responders and utility crews to work safely.
Do not call 911 for non-emergencies or weather updates.
Sandbags are currently available at the following locations: Five Points, the intersection of Lee Street and E. Savannah Avenue, and the City Lot, located at 1025 W. Hill Avenue. Sandbags are limited to 10 per household and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
We encourage all Lowndes County residents to follow a few links that will provide the most up-to-date information for our area during Tropical Storm Helene:
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Weather Service, Tallahassee: www.weather.gov/tae/
AlertLowndes Sign Up: www.lowndescounty.com and click on the AlertLowndes icon.
EMA Lowndes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowndesEMA
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Lowndes County, GA
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