NWS Charleston issued a Tropical Storm Watch on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 5:00 pm for our area, which includes Statesboro, Portal, and Denmark. This is in preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Helene. Bulloch residents should prepare for possible tropical storm-force winds within the next 48 hours.
Wind Forecast and Precautions
Current Forecast: Winds are expected to stay below tropical storm force but could peak at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Potential Wind Threat: There is a potential for wind speeds of 39 to 57 mph.
- Preparation: Residents should plan for hazardous winds equivalent to a tropical storm. Protective measures for properties should be underway to guard against limited wind damage.
- Action: Complete all preparations soon to ensure safety before winds intensify.
Expected Wind Impacts
Minor damage may occur to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes.
Unsecured items could be blown about, with large tree limbs potentially breaking and a few trees possibly uprooted.
Some roads may become impassable from debris, especially in wooded or urban areas. Elevated roadways could be hazardous for high-profile vehicles.
Isolated to scattered power and communication outages are possible.
Rainfall and Flooding Alert
Forecasted Rainfall: Between 3-6 inches, with higher amounts possible locally.
Flooding Threat: Moderate flooding from heavy rain could occur.
- Preparation: Emergency plans should account for possible evacuations and rescues due to flooding.
- Action: Pay attention to flood watches and warnings, as ignoring them could lead to severe injury or loss of life.
Flooding Impacts
Moderate flooding could necessitate rescues. Swollen rivers and streams may quickly overflow.
Floodwaters may infiltrate structures, weaken foundations, and cause rapid inundation at underpasses and in areas with poor drainage.
Some roads and bridges may close, and driving conditions could become perilous.
Tornado Risk
Forecast: Conditions are somewhat favorable for tornado formation.
Tornado Threat: There is a potential for a few tornadoes.
- Preparation: Adjust emergency plans if you are in a tornado-prone location. Consider relocating to a safe shelter.
- Action: If a tornado warning is issued, act swiftly to find shelter.
Tornado Impacts
Isolated tornadoes could disrupt emergency plans and cause damage in some locations.
Power and communications may be affected, and there is a risk of damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings, particularly mobile homes and other vulnerable structures.
Code Red Alert
The City of Statesboro and Bulloch County announced a partnership to implement the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service provided by OnSolve, based in Ormond Beach, Florida. Public safety officials across the United States have credited CodeRED notifications for saving lives, including locating missing children, apprehending wanted criminals, and issuing timely evacuations.
Click here to add this to your phone now.
Be Alert
Be ready to take action should severe weather develop. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, Grice Connect, Bulloch County EMA, TV or your local news source for the latest information from the National Weather Service.
Click here for updated weather information throughout the day.
The Grice Connect team will continue to monitor this storm and provide updates as information changes.