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Liberty County officials urge precautions as Hurricane Helen strengthens
Summary
Liberty County officials used a Facebook Live briefing to tell residents Hurricane Helen has become a major hurricane and to prepare for high tornado risk, gusty winds (45–65 mph gusts), 1.5–4 inches of rain (isolated higher amounts), and 1–3 feet of possible coastal surge; officials advised sheltering, generator safety, and signing up for Liberty Alert.
On a Facebook Live update Thursday evening, Liberty County officials urged residents to prepare after Emergency Management said Hurricane Helen had strengthened into a major hurricane and was tracking north toward Georgia.
Emergency Management Director Mr Bob D said the storm is large and that impacts will extend well east of the center. “Hurricane Helen has strengthened into a major hurricane,” he said, adding the system was expected to move northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico with a landfall near Florida’s Big Bend area before tracking into Georgia.
Why it matters: Mr Bob D warned of a high tornado risk that will increase this evening and peak tonight into early Friday morning, and he gave specific forecasts county residents should expect: wind gusts mainly 45 to 65 miles per hour, additional rainfall averaging 1.5 to 4 inches with isolated higher totals possible, and a possible coastal storm surge of 1 to 3 feet along Liberty County’s shoreline.
Shelter and safety guidance: Mr Bob D advised that if a tornado warning is issued for Liberty County residents should seek shelter quickly in an interior room away from windows and not in areas prone to flooding. He suggested drivers scan the roadside for quick shelter options if necessary. Officials asked residents to stay off the roads unless travel is essential and said no curfew was planned.
Power and equipment: The county’s Emergency Operations Center will monitor outages and work to restore power when it is safe to do so, Mr Bob D said. Officials reminded residents who use portable generators to keep them outdoors with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide risk.
How to stay informed: Officials encouraged residents to enroll in Liberty Alert for official notices and to follow Liberty County social channels for updates. The county provided a public information line, 912-368-2202, for questions.
Chairman Donald LoveIt closed the briefing by thanking EMA and other staff: he asked residents to stay prepared, to rely on trusted weather sources and county channels, and offered a brief prayer for those in the storm’s path.
What comes next: County officials said they will continue monitoring conditions at the Emergency Operations Center and post updates on the Liberty County Facebook pages and the Liberty County EMA page as new information becomes available.
