ATLANTA — As Tropical Storm Helene continues to strengthen as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, where it's expected to become a Category 3 hurricane, metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties are preparing for the storm.
The storm is expected to make landfall along the Florida panhandle on Thursday evening or early Friday as a hurricane before it weakens a tad and makes its way on up to Georgia -- where it is expected the state will see heavy rains and potential for strong winds.
Depending on its strength and track, it could have huge impacts on the area. It is forecast to still be a tropical storm when passing through north Georgia. On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for Georgia to activate resources for the aftermath of the storm.
11Alive has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Wednesday evening for pre-Helene tropical downpours, then for Thursday and Friday in north Georgia due to impacts from Helene.
Live updates
11: 15 p.m. | The state is making preparations ahead of Helene. Here's the latest on the storm's track from the 11Alive Weather Impact Team and information from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
9:15 p.m. | 11Alive's Chief Meteorologist gives an update on the latest track of the storm. Watch the video below to learn about the potential impacts to Georgia, including the timing of the storm.
6:15 p.m. | From Tuesday through Sunday, all Habersham County Road Department employees are placed on "on-call" status. They recommend residents to travel the least they can during the storm and said that emergency crews will work diligently to repair problems as quickly as they can when they arise.
“Crew leaders are taking vehicles home with chainsaws and barricades,” Public Works Director Jerry Baggett said. “All heavy equipment needed for debris removal has been serviced and is ready as needed.”
6:12 p.m. | Several DeKalb County football games have been rescheduled from Thursday to Wednesday due to inclement weather from Tropical Storm Helene.
- Lakeside vs. Tri Cities - Wednesday, 9/25 at 6:30 p.m.
- Tucker vs. Northview - Wednesday, 9/25 at 6:30 p.m.
4:32 p.m. | U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable container use for those in the path of Helene.
The free storage is based on availability at each store. Visit the link here to contact the nearest store to check about free storage if you are in the path of Helene.
3:34 p.m. | State of emergency declared in Georgia:
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Helene. The executive order will help with immediate resource assistance in the aftermath of the storm. The state of emergency impacts all 159 counties in Georgia.
The state of emergency also means that county emergency management agencies and Georgia Emergency Management indicate there will be a need for assistance in impacted areas.