Powerline down on Duncan Bridge Trail- Photo WC Public Safety
Cleveland)- Northeast Georgians are giving a sigh of relief as the last bands of Hurricane Helene exit North Georgia. The storm which is now a tropical storm shifted eastward during the early morning hours directing the heavy rain and strong winds into the Carolinas. Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina were hit hard with most of the power customers losing power.
The National Weather Service has canceled the Tropical Storm Warning that was issued for the area and all watches and warnings that had been issued have now been canceled.
Back here in Northeast Georgia Habersham EMC and Georgia Power crews continue restoring power to thousands of customers who lost service. At one time early Friday over 20,000 HEMC customers were without power. Road crews have been busy clearing trees from the numerous roads that were blocked. As of 12:30 PM 53 trees blocking the roads had been reported in White County. Most of those were cleared quickly except for those with power lines involved those had to wait until power crews cleared the area.
A wind advisory has been issued for the area until 7 PM tonight so more trees could be coming down everyone needs to use caution. Weather officials expect winds to continue 15 to 25 miles per hour with some gusts as high as 40 mph.
Officials caution that rivers and creeks could still flood from storm runoff, and trees could topple in the rain-soaked soil. They urge people to stay off the roads, especially in areas where trees and power lines are down. If you encounter a flooded road while traveling, do not attempt to cross it. Turn around.
Tree down Helen Highway near Windy Acres -WC Public Safety
