Atlanta, GA — Hurricane Helene left over 1 million people without power in Georgia after it hit the state Friday morning. The storm brought 70 mph winds, causing widespread damage and power outages throughout metro Atlanta.
According to poweroutage.us, by 8:40 a.m., over 110,000 people in the Atlanta metro area had lost power. Additionally, the storm caused over 130 flight cancellations and 200 delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Fulton County Emergency Management lifted its high wind warning around 9 a.m., but officials urged residents to avoid travel due to downed trees and debris. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) prioritized clearing interstates and state routes leading to essential services.
The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to weaken throughout the day, but it warned of continued heavy rainfall and flash flood risks. Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, declared a state of emergency, activating the National Guard for storm recovery efforts.
Residents are advised to report downed trees or flooding to local authorities and avoid roadways where power lines may still be live.
