Cherokee County Prepares for Severe Weather

Heavy rain and high winds are expected in Cherokee County through Friday morning, as Hurricane Helene makes its way from the Florida Panhandle to north Georgia.

Helene, now classified as a major hurricane, is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast Thursday evening and arrive in north Georgia Friday morning, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency reports.

Cherokee County and other parts of the state are under a tropical storm warning, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch has also been issued that includes Cherokee, until 2 p.m. Friday.

Four to six inches of additional rain are expected in the area, per CCEMA.

According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts of 58-73 mph are possible.

Thursday afternoon, Cherokee had already received two to three inches of rain.

Cherokee was included in a high risk area for excessive rainfall for Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday, per the NWS. High risk means there is at least a 70% chance of seeing excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding within 25 miles of a given point.

After 8 a.m. Friday, the NWS reports Cherokee at a slight risk for excessive rainfall, at least a 15% chance.

Winds and rain are expected to increase throughout Thursday evening, with the strongest impacts likely between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday, per CCEMA. Impacts will slowly diminish into Friday afternoon and evening.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware and be prepared for heavy rains and high winds. Have a way to receive weather alerts, and make sure you have battery backups.

While the storm is expected to move quickly, CCEMA asks residents to remain home if possible late Thursday night through Friday afternoon, as driving conditions may be dangerous due to downed trees across roadways. Be prepared for power outages that could have long restoration times.

CCEMA will post updates on its social media channels.

Cherokee County announced that its Emergency Operations Center will partially activate at 8 p.m. Thursday. The EOC will remain active as long as necessary.

The biggest impacts expected are heavy rains and tropical storm strength winds. Winds and rain are expected to increase throughout the evening, the county reports, with the greatest impacts occurring in the 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. timeframe.

Residents are encouraged to be weather aware and be prepared ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival.

EMA professionals indicate there could be road closures from downed trees and possible power outages. If possible, residents are asked to stay off the roads and shelter in place until the storm is over.

The EOC is staffed with essential personnel from various government agencies including Cherokee County Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Emergency Services, E-911, Public Works and city personnel. The EOC is a location where all decision-making parties can help plan ahead of a severe weather event, deploy resources during the event, and provide recovery and cleanup efforts after an event.

Cherokee County government offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 27.

All Cherokee County courts and the Clerk of Courts office will be closed Sept. 27.

The Cherokee County Tax Commissioner's Office will be closed Friday, Sept. 27.

Cherokee Area Transit Service has halted operations for Sept. 26 and 27.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks has canceled all activities for Sept. 26 and 27. The Cherokee County Aquatic Center will be closed at 5 p.m. Sept. 26.

City of Woodstock , Canton and Waleska offices will be closed Friday.

Holly Springs offices are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Friday.