Franklin County implemented a mandatory evacuation ahead of Hurricane Helene

EASTPOINT, Fla. ( WMBB ) — Franklin County enacted mandatory evacuations for the entire county, effective at noon Eastern time Wednesday.

Hurricane Helene is projected to make landfall Thursday night along the Franklin County coastline. Local officials recommended residents evacuate, saying it’s safer to seek shelter elsewhere.

“It’s a catastrophic storm that’s going to do major damage, flooding, high winds. To prevent loss of life, you evacuate,” Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith said.

Smith is urging everyone to evacuate. He says those who choose to stay could find themselves on their own if an emergency arises.

“We won’t be responding because my people are going to hunker down till the storm passes.  If you get into a situation, you need help during the storm because you didn’t evacuate, there will be no help,” Smith said.

Franklin County Commissioner Ricky Jones says he’s staying in the area to help with recovery efforts following the storm.

“As a local elected official, it’s kind of part of what I signed up for. You can’t direct everybody else to do things that you’re not a part of, so it’s really just about backing the community and being resilient and having boots on the ground,” Jones said.

Whether you stay or leave, Jones says it’s crucial to be prepared.

“There are so many unknowns. You just have to do your best to prepare, do your best to do what’s in the best interest of yourself and your community,” Jones said.

Sheriff Smith says bridges will be closed once winds are sustained at 40 miles an hour, isolating the county.

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