The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is predicting the possibility of strong sustained Tropical Storm Force winds from Hurricane Helene in excess of 40-60 mph with the potential for tornadoes and 4-6 inches of rain occurring Thursday, September 26, 2:00 p.m. – early morning hours of Friday, September 27, 2024. The degree of weather Douglas and Coffee County will receive depends on the path that Hurricane Helene takes and is subject to change.
Currently, the path shows that Douglas-Coffee County will have an impact, and Douglas is under a Hurricane warning. As the storm makes its way to our area, the City of Douglas is preparing for severe weather, which may include damaging winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain. These could lead to downed trees and powerlines. Citizens should prepare now for 24-72 hrs. without power.
Public Safety, Douglas Utilities, and Public Works will cease most operations once winds are higher than 35 mph. Generators are in place for the city sewer plant, county water system, radio system, and major lift stations. The city has 2.5 million gallons of water stored in the air. Cell service is likely to be affected. For areas in Douglas that are low-lying and need to request sandbags, please go to the Public Works building located at 100 Public Works Way (off the 206 Connector) to receive 10 bags per person while supplies last. Sandbags will only be available while they last.
Power outages are expected to occur in the city as well as in Coffee County. Some electrical outages may last for 24 -72 hours up to several days depending on the severity of storm damage. If you live in the city limits of Douglas and you experience a power outage, please report it by dialing 3-1-1 or calling (912)384-3302. Utility linemen will not work on restoring power if winds are in excess of 35 miles per hour due to safety issues. When the power goes out, please do not call for every house. When it is safe for linemen to work to restore power, damages will be assessed, and work to restore power will begin. The city has out-of-town electric crews on standby, and additional electrical crews are actively being sought to assist with restoring power. Report traffic light outages (if a traffic light is out, 4-way stop rules apply) and downed powerlines. NEVER attempt to move a downed power line.
The shelter will open Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, 1 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Once the shelter opens, the animal shelter will only take pets from evacuees. This shelter will provide minimal comforts at the beginning stages of opening. It is important that you bring your own medicines, snacks, toiletries, diapers, etc. If damage is severe, the shelter will transform into full operations and provide meals to those held over in the shelter.
Be mindful and watch for Emergency Responders who are out during the storm trying to keep others safe. Gas up all vehicles and go to the ATM for cash before the storm hits. Prepare for storm winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. Move or secure trash cans, lawn furniture, hanging plants, trampolines, or anything that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. Make sure you have emergency supplies such as an emergency preparedness kit, first aid kit, food and non-perishables, emergency equipment such as generators or flashlights/batteries, water for drinking and cooking, and charge your mobile phone or laptop. Acquire a reliable source of weather information, which can be a weather radio, cell phone alerts, radio, or television.
Schools are closed on Thursday, September 26 & Friday, September 27, 2024.
If you do not have to be out in the weather conditions, avoid traveling. If you are on the road, be especially careful of bridges and areas where water is over the road. DO NOT attempt to drive your vehicle through water that is across a roadway, turn around, or seek another route to your destination. Tornado watches may be issued for our area which means the weather conditions are favorable for tornado activity. If a tornado warning is issued that means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to a basement, storm cellar, or windowless interior room.
For more information regarding the storm, call the Coffee County EMA at 912-389-1705 or 912-384-5440. Additional resources for weather information include webpages: https://www.weather.gov/jax/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonville, https://twitter.com/NWSJacksonville, or download other local weather apps.
For all NON-EMERGENCY-related issues, such as power outages, downed power lines, water over the roadway, or downed trees, please contact the Customer Care Center by dialing 3-1-1 or 912-384-3302. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
