City of Atlanta Hurricane Helene Preparedness

In the aftermath of severe weather caused by Hurricane Helene, the City of Atlanta is urging all residents to remain vigilant. Please be aware of downed trees, localized flooding, and road closures, and keep streets clear for emergency response teams. We have also set up recovery centers to support residents during this time. Below is key information on recovery efforts, flooding locations, and how to report issues.

Important Safety Reminders:

• Secure Outdoor Items: If you haven't already, bring in loose items from balconies, patios, and outside areas.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
• Stay Informed: Continue following local news and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Charge Devices: Keep phones and other devices charged in case of further power outages.
• Follow Travel Advisories: Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and follow detour signs and road closure updates.

Report Property Damage:

As our crews continue assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Helene around Atlanta, we need your assistance. Atlanta property owners, please report any damages to your private property using the following link. This information will help us potentially unlock Federal resources to aid in the recovery process for Georgians.

Report Property Damage Here

Thank you to our incredible city teams! From clearing hundreds of downed trees and keeping our streets safe, to answering critical emergency calls, staffing the Joint Operations Center, and performing life-saving boat rescues, your heroic efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene have been nothing short of extraordinary. While there's still more to do, we commend your tireless dedication to protecting our city and its residents. You truly exemplify what it means to serve our community in times of crisis. 

Reporting Downed Trees:

• Over 150 trees have been downed since Thursday, September 26th.
• Call 311 during open hours for non-emergency tree reports.
• Call 911 for emergencies or after-hours tree reports.

Staffing & Response:

• Crews from the Department of Parks and Recreation, ATL Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, and contractors are working 7 days a week to handle the clean-up.
• Some clean-up may be delayed due to power outages; coordination with Georgia Power is ongoing.

Looking Ahead:

• Right-of-ways should be cleared by October 2, 2024, though timelines may change based on call volume.
• Crews will then address downed trees in parks.

For additional details, visit https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/department-parks-recreation.

DPW Public Service Update:
The Department of Public Works will collect garbage and recycling on Saturday, Sept. 28 for households originally scheduled for Friday collection.

Traffic Advisory from ATLDOT:
The Bohler Road Bridge is completely submerged. The road is closed between Battleview Drive NW and Cross Creek Parkway NW until further notice. Please avoid the area.

City of Atlanta Update - Friday, September 27 at 4:00 PM

GA Power has deployed 4 stationary charging stations to assist residents with charging devices. These stations will be available until Sunday, 8 AM at the following locations:

Please make use of these resources to keep your devices powered during ongoing recovery efforts.

City of Atlanta Update – Friday, September 27 at 2:30 PM

Storm Repair & Tree Removal Process – Effective September 27, 2024

The Office of Buildings has implemented new procedures to assist property owners and contractors with storm repairs and tree removal. For storm repair inquiries, contact EmergencyOOBpermit@AtlantaGA.gov.

How to Proceed with Property Repairs:

1. Option 1: Call the Inspections Division at (404) 865-8400 or (404) 865-8550 to schedule an inspection. An inspector will assess the damage and advise next steps.
2. Option 2: Visit City Hall, Office of Buildings (55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3900) or call the Express Workstream at (404) 546-6907 for storm repair permits.
   Note: Fallen trees on structures must be removed before inspection.

Tree Removal Process:

• Fallen trees: No permit needed. Take photos before removal, showing where the tree failed.
• Hazardous trees: Contact the Arborist Division at (404) 330-6874 or arborist.dpcd@atlantaga.gov. Obtain authorization and take photos showing the imminent danger before removal. Submit a completed Dead, Dying, and Hazardous (DDH) application with photos within 5 business days.

Licensed Contractors: Always use licensed contractors. Verify licenses at http://verify.sos.ga.gov/Verification.

For additional questions, contact the Office of Buildings at (404) 330-6150.

City of Atlanta Update – Friday, September 27 at 1:30 PM

Mayor Dickens Declares State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta

In response to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Mayor Andre Dickens has officially declared a State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta.

"Due to the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, including significant flooding and power outages, I am declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta, effective immediately. This declaration will allow us to access vital federal and state resources to expedite our recovery efforts and ensure the safety and well-being of all Atlanta residents." — Mayor Andre Dickens

For more details on the declaration, please visit: https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15226/672

City of Atlanta Update – Friday, September 27 at 1:00 PM

Flooding and Road Closure Updates:

• Bolton Road is closed between Marietta Blvd and Marietta Road due to severe flooding. Detour information will be shared shortly.
• Flooding locations include:
  • Peachtree Battle Circle @ Peachtree Battle Ave.
  • 805 Peachtree Battle @ Peachtree Creek.
  • Defoors Ferry & Warren Court.
  • Moores Mill @ Margaret Mitchell.
  • Chapel Street SW @ Peters Street SW.

• A crew has been deployed to investigate and deliver barricades at the intersection of Cross Creek Parkway NW & Acacia Street NW. A report of bridge flooding has been received at Cross Creek Condominiums and Townhomes.
• All access to Cross Creek Parkway at the bridge has been cut off due to downed trees and power lines. Flooding has also occurred. Further assessments will be made this afternoon, and the area has been secured.
• There are currently 18 signal issues reported. Signal crews are assessing and making necessary repairs.

If you encounter flooding or downed trees, please report the issue through the City of Atlanta 311 service.

Recovery Center Information:

• CT Martin Recreation Center
  3201 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
• MLK Jr. Recreation Center
  110 Hilliard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Both recovery centers will be open from 12 PM to 6 PM today, offering residents a place to charge devices and access Wi-Fi. Gyms, weight rooms, and lobbies will be open, but aquatic facilities will remain closed.

City of Atlanta Update: Friday, September 27 at 11:50 AM

RECOVERY CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT

The CT Martin Recreation Center (3201 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311) and the MLK Jr. Recreation Center (110 Hilliard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312) will be open and set up as recovery centers from 12 PM to 6 PM today, Friday, September 27.

Residents are encouraged to visit these centers to charge their phones and devices, and access free Wi-Fi. The gyms, weight rooms, and lobbies will be open for use; however, aquatic facilities will remain closed.

Please stay informed on travel advisories from local authorities and travel only when it is safe to do so.

ATLDOT Traffic Advisory

Bolton Road is closed between Marietta Boulevard and Marietta Road. Please follow detours and avoid the area until further notice.

• The effects of Tropical Storm Helene have been mild, resembling an average thunderstorm in intensity.
• While the storm appears to have been redirected, the area remains under a Flash Flood warning until 12:45 p.m.

Power Outages and Damage:

• 22,000 power outages reported in Metro Atlanta.
• 25 power lines are down, with one incident involving a wire landing on a MARTA bus, though no major injuries have been reported.
• Crews have successfully cleared 15 downed trees with no remaining obstructions.

Rescue and Emergency Efforts:

• 21 water rescues took place in the Peachtree Battle area, demonstrating the significant flooding risks.
• Despite the storm, 911 calls remain low, indicating that the situation is under control.

Flooding and Infrastructure:

• There have been 17 calls to 311 since midnight for issues such as flooding, clogged storm drains, and four more instances of downed trees.
• Authorities are working to address these infrastructure issues swiftly to ensure public safety.

Heavily Affected Flood Areas:

• Peters St / Chapel St
• 1575 Northside Dr
• Northside Dr / I-75
• Peachtree Park Dr
• Parrot Ave NW / Bolton Road
• Jonesboro Road / Sawtell
• Jonesboro Road / Constitution
• Hutchens/Jonesboro Road

Overall Safety:

• Emergency services are managing the situation well.
• While damage is minimal, residents are advised to stay cautious, especially with the ongoing flash flood warning.

City of Atlanta Updates - 4:30 PM, Thursday, September 26

• Hurricane Helene is expected to strengthen to a major hurricane (Category 3+) as it approaches, with significant impacts anticipated for north and central Georgia, including the Atlanta area.
• Follow the National Weather Service for guidance as the storm moves into our area for the latest updates and safety recommendations. www.weather.gov

• The governor urges everyone to stay off the roads before, during, and after the event to avoid:
  • Power lines
  • Falling trees
  • Road debris
  • Floodwaters
  • High winds blowing objects around
    • Fewer vehicles on the road will also help with street cleaning and debris removal overnight and into Friday.

• Reporting Issues:
  •  For DOWNED TREES (with no injuries), please call 311.
  • For POWER OUTAGES, contact Georgia Power directly at 1-888-891-0938 (available 24/7).
  • Call 311 to report street flooding, clogged basins, downed signs, emergency traffic signal repairs, or obstructions in the right of way.

• ATL311 Availability:
  • ATL311 will remain open overnight and will not close until midnight on Friday, September 27.
  • Contact ATL311 through:
    • Dial 311or 404-546-0311
    • Email: atl311@atlantaga.gov
    •  Download the ATL311 app for assistance.

• Watershed Advisory: Storm Drain Reporting:
  • A new webpage has been created on the Department of Watershed Management website to report clogged storm drains.
  • If you see storm drains overflowing in your neighborhood due to Hurricane Helene, click the link below or scan the QR code to report it:

https://bit.ly/stormwaterreporting

• Flooding is a real possibility. Please do not drive through floodwaters or around barricades.
• Avoid bridges over fast-moving water during the storm.
• If you are surrounded by fast-moving water, stay inside your vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary to exit. Move to higher ground only if it is safe.

In partnership with Partners for HOME and the Gateway Center, the City has coordinated additional shelter availability for the safety of our unhoused residents. Individuals in need of shelter can be dropped off at the following locations:

• WellStar AMC Shelter: 261 Parkway Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA
• Gateway Center: 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta, GA

Power Outages:

• Please remember to charge your cell phones and other devices in preparation for a potential loss of power.
• Residents who use medical equipment, such as oxygen machines, should call Georgia Power at 1-888-660-5860 so that we can prioritize service in those areas.
• For POWER OUTAGES, contact Georgia Power directly at 1-888-891-0938 (available 24/7).
• If you encounter downed power lines or are experiencing a power outage, please call Georgia Power at 1-888-660-5860.
• Georgia Power is deploying 2 stationary charging stations at C.T. Martin Recreation Center and MLK Recreation Center. Both stations will be delivered before noon tomorrow. There are 10,000+ agents on the ground throughout Georgia to assess damaged lines, downed trees, and areas needing support, including hundreds of crews and several tree crews.

• Department of Public Works: The Office of Solid Waste Services will suspend collection operations on Friday, September 27. Residents whose regular service day is Friday should not place any trash bins, recycling bins, or yard debris curbside until after the storm passes. Curbside and backyard collections are expected to resume on Saturday, September 28, depending on weather conditions.
• Municipal Court: The Municipal Court was closed today, September 26, and will be closed tomorrow, September 27, 2024. Court will reschedule all customer cases and mail out postcards with the new court date.

• A sinkhole has developed at 4504 Lake Forrest Dr. NW. The road will remain closed until further notice.
• Detours are in place:
  • Northbound: Chastain Park Dr → Dudley Ln → Barbara Ln → Lake Forrest Dr
  • Southbound: Barbara Ln → Dudley Ln → Chastain Park Dr → Lake Forrest Dr

For questions, contact the Atlanta Department of Transportation at atldot@atlantaga.gov.

Community Support:

• Please check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Build an emergency kit with:
  • Medications
  • Water and non-perishables
  • Batteries, flashlights, and chargers for devices.

Fraud Awareness:

• The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns of hurricane-related scams. Be cautious of:
  • Emails, social media messages, and solicitations related to the hurricane, as they may contain malicious links or attachments.

City of Atlanta Departmental Updates - 6:00 PM, Wednesday, September 25

Note: City offices are closed for in-person business on Thursday, September 26.

Watershed Management

• Proactively preparing since learning of Hurricane Helene’s potential impact.
• Emergency response teams are in place to address any issues.
• Monitoring water flow in known flooding hotspots.
• Conducting routine maintenance and concentrated cleaning of storm water drains to prevent blockages.

Parks & Recreation, Forestry Team

• Coordinating with Public Works (DPW), the Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Atlanta Fire Rescue for tree removal and storm debris management.

Public Works (DPW)

• Cleaning drainage systems ahead of expected heavy rainfall.
• Moved vehicles to higher ground.
• Implemented a 24/7 staffing plan to ensure continuous coverage throughout the emergency.

Atlanta Department of Transportation (ADOT)

• Cleared bridge and curb inlets in areas expected to flood.
• Chainsaw crews are on standby for downed tree removal.
• Barricades are strategically positioned for quick deployment.

E-911 Operations

• Activated severe weather action plan with operators ready to shelter in place if necessary.
• The Westin Hotel has offered accommodations for E-911 staff during the storm.

 Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

• Prepared for swift water rescues and downed tree removal.
• Vehicles are fueled and ready to respond.

Atlanta Police Department (APD)

• Chief Schierbaum has deployed extra supplies to precincts.
• Shelter-in-place locations are being identified for essential staff.
• APD is ready to respond to any safety emergencies during the storm.

ATL311 and Remote Staff

• ATL311 will operate outside normal hours, from midnight to 7 AM on Thursday, providing 24-hour access to information.
• Remote staff provided with mifi devices in case of power loss.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Plans in place for potential flight cancellations and stranded passengers.
• Concessionaires are prepared to stay open to serve passengers, crews, and workers as needed.

Parks and Recreation Facilities

• All activities at Parks and Recreation facilities are canceled today and Thursday.

Emergency Alerts

• Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYATL to 24639