The City of Avondale Estates is actively preparing for Hurricane Helene, the tropical system heading north toward the area. The city encourages its citizens and businesses to do the same.
The hurricane will create a significant wind and rainfall event across Georgia this Thursday and Friday. The wind field is expected to be quite large—over 300 miles wide—with tropical storm-force winds extending well over 100 miles from the center of the track. Between six and 10 inches of rain are expected to fall through midday Friday in the metro Atlanta area. In addition, sustained winds as strong as 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph could be expected. The worst is projected to occur Thursday night through Friday morning.
Widespread power outages from downed trees and powerlines are possible. Heavy rainfall from Thursday evening through Friday morning may lead to flash flooding.
The city’s Public Works and Public Safety teams have members on standby to deal with the storm's aftermath. The city is in regular contact with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency regarding updates to the storm.
In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Individuals and businesses can sign up for DeKalb County’s automated emergency notification system CodeRED.
Remember in an emergency:
- In case of flooding, do not drive or walk through standing water or drive around barricades.
- Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- If a tornado warning is issued, storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If an underground shelter is unavailable, go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
The city encourages citizens and businesses to take precautions:
- Put away all outdoor furniture and other items that the wind could pick up.
- Stock up on food, water, medicine, first aid items and other essentials.
- Charge cell phones and other devices.
The city will continue to provide updates via social media and other communications channels. Please stay safe.