ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has authorized an additional 1,000 National Guard troops to assist in the aftermath of Helene via executive order Friday.
In the wake of Georgia's state of emergency, a total of 1,500 troops will now be able to respond to dire situations across the state.
As Kemp announced the additional forces, he mentioned that 250 troops are already in the field assisting emergency crews as parts of middle and south Georgia grapple with flooding, fallen trees and even a suspected tornado in Wheeler County, contributing to two deaths. At least five deaths in Georgia are being blamed on Helene as of Friday morning.
Helene moved toward the metro Atlanta area as a powerful tropical storm after making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend - just 10 miles shy of Perry.
"Hurricane Helene will be one of the biggest storms this state has experienced in recent history," Kemp wrote on social media. "Georgians should remain alert and prepared for potential flooding, road debris, possible tornadoes, and wind damage. If you can safely stay off the roads, do so!"
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has provided a list of shelters Georgians can turn to here.
Track Helene here: