As of Tuesday morning, Helene is expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall, and it is predicted to remain a tropical storm by the time it reaches central Georgia. A Weather Impact Alert has been issued for the entire day on Thursday, as outer rain bands and strong winds are anticipated to arrive in central Georgia during the early morning hours. There may be a brief break in the rain during the afternoon, but heavier rain and stronger winds are expected to return Thursday evening as the storm’s center moves inland, continuing through the night and into Friday.
There is a possibility the Weather Impact Alert will extend into Friday morning if the storm’s effects persist. What is certain is that central Georgia will experience gusty winds and heavy rainfall. However, the severity of these impacts—such as wind speeds, flood risks, and potential severe weather—will depend on the storm's track. The storm’s eastern side, often called the "dirty side," poses a greater risk of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes, while the western side is typically calmer.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather for much of southeastern Georgia on Thursday, though this risk may change depending on the storm's path.