Macon placed under a hurricane warning as Helene’s projected track pushes farther north

Macon has been put under a hurricane warning as the expected path of Hurricane Helene keeps pushing farther north, the National Weather Service announced Wednesday evening.

The NWS upgraded the area’s alert from a tropical storm warning just after 5 p.m., cautioning locals that hurricane force winds are expected in Middle Georgia within 36 hours of the warning. The area has the potential to see winds that reach 58 to 73 mph , according to the NWS. The hurricane is expected to hit the U.S. as a Category 4 with significantly damaging impacts.

Georgia Emergency Managment officials stressed the importance Wednesday of residents being prepared all across the state.

Since the storm is fast-moving, it’s not going to have a lot of time to weaken as it moves out of Florida into Georgia, Will Lanxton, state meteorologist at GEMA, said during a press conference .

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some Category 3 level impacts in extreme southern Georgia,” Lanxton said. “ ... But I do expect that we will see widespread Category 1, Category 2 hurricane impacts all throughout the hurricane warning area.”

The NWS warned residents to make “efforts to protect life and property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for significant wind damage.” Weather officials also warned of “significant” damage, including damage to roofing, siding, porches and more. Roads could also become impassable due to debris.

“Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles,” the NWS said.

The hurricane could also bring 4 to 8 inches of rain and there is a flooding risk.

“Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding,” the NWS said.

The tropical storm advisory was upgraded to a hurricane warning for other Middle Georgia counties too, including but not limited to Houston, Peach, Twiggs and Crawford counties.

This is a developing story and may be updated.