Warner Robins orders state of emergency for Hurricane Helene. What residents need to know

The city of Warner Robins declared early Thursday a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene’s expected arrival.

Helene is expected to bring unprecedented wind speeds and flooding overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Warner Robins and all of Middle Georgia remained under a hurricane warning and flood watch Thursday. A tornado watch also is in effect until 9 p.m. Sirens are expected to sound if a tornado develops.

“Conditions have not subsided overnight, they have only increased,” Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick said in a briefing on Helene on Facebook. “Therefore, it is in the best interest of our city government and our constituents here in our city limits to declare a state of emergency so that we are able to activate the necessary emergency measures to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all our citizens.”

The state of emergency allows for the city to designate restricted areas and impose curfews as necessary to ensure public safety and restrict areas.

The measure, effective at noon Thursday, also requires the proper registration of building and repair services during the state of emergency to protect residents from unlicensed contractors.

The state of emergency also allows for implementation of measures related to price gouging and traffic regulation.

City government offices for non-emergency personnel closed at noon and will remain closed Friday.

The city is setting up an Emergency Operations Center at city hall to prepare for any overnight emergency responses.

“We have all hands on deck,” Patrick said. “I will be here all night and so will my entire team just to make sure we are ready to deploy in case of any type of emergency.”

Residents were told to expect flooding and to limit water use to ease the expected strain on the city’s sewer system in the event of flooding.

The city is also providing sandbags to prepare for expected flooding for residents until 3:30 p.m. — or until they run out— at the public works department at 210 Bay St.

“City staff will be on site to assist residents with filling and loading sandbags as needed,” according to a news release.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area potentially as early as 7 p.m., with hurricane conditions expected after midnight, according to the Houston County Emergency Management Agency.

“The center of the track has shifted back east which now places us in direct line for the center of circulation,” the agency posted on Facebook. “What this means for us is a higher likelihood of experiencing force Hurricane winds tonight.”

Residents are urged to take care of last-minute preparations now.

“Once the winds begin to increase this evening it will not be safe,” the post reads. “We are encouraging everyone to stay off the roads and indoors until this storm passes.

“After the storm, it is very likely that emergency crews will still be out working to clear debris and open the roads for several hours.”

Rigby’s Entertainment Complex at 2001 Karl Drive in Warner Robins has opened as an overnight storm shelter for people and their pets.

People should bring their own pillows and blankets and crates are requested for pets that could be aggressive or are afraid of storms, Rigby’s posted on Facebook.

No Limit Baptist Church at 1352 Radio Loop is providing dinner and an overnight shelter for the homeless in the church sanctuary.

“It has weathered some storms, so I feel like they’ll be safe there,” said Vince Harrington, the church’s senior pastor, who plans to ride out the storm in the sanctuary as well.

Robins To-Go posted some tips from the Better Business Bureau on how to avoid scams for home repairs from storm damage.

HC EMA offers an online portal for residents to report property damage experienced as a result of Helene.

“This covers all residents of Houston County whether you live in the cities or county,” HC EMA posted on Facebook. “This is not for emergency reporting. If you have any emergent needs, please contact 911.”

Flint Energies reports it requested crews from around the country to help with restoring power expected to be lost during the hurricane.

“Tropical storm winds from Hurricane Helene combined with heavy rains could lead to power outages starting this evening and throughout the weekend. Flint Energies urges all its members to prepare for widespread, extended outages,” a company news release reads. “Flint is expecting thousands of members to be without power for several days, not hours.”

Members can report power outages by calling 888-354-6836, through Flint’s mobile app or text OUTAGE to 352667.

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