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Tropical Storm, soon to be Hurricane, Helene is making its up towards Chambers. While the trajectory could change, Chambers and Troup County are in the line of storms. As of 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, here are the weather advisories, watches and warnings:

• Flood Watch until Sept. 27 at 7 a.m. CT
• Hazardous Weather Outlook 
• Tropical Storm Warning
• Hurricane Local Statement
• Flash Flood Warning until Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. CT.

According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, Helene is currently North through the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to turn north northeast and increase speed into Thursday. Once it hits land Helene will likely slow and move over the southwestern U.S. On Friday and Saturday. 

The forecast for Wednesday night/Thursday morning:

• Wind up to 10 to 20 miles per hour, gusts up to 45 mph. 
• Flooding rain, 1-2 inches forecasted locally. 

Potential impacts for these forecasts are:

• Damage to roofing and siding material, mobile and manufactured homes damaged (particularly those unanchored), and unsecured lightweight objects become projectiles. 
• Large trees snapped or uprooted, fences and roadway signs blown over, and debris on roads.
• Power and communication outages (more prevalent in areas with above-ground lines). 
• Roads become flooded, roads and bridges are washed out or become impassable. 

Precautions and Safety Measures:

• Have multiple ways of receiving important weather information (internet, weather radio, apps, etc.).
• Tie down unsecured items outside (sports equipment, holiday decorations, trampolines, trash cans, etc.).
• Charge all devices in case of outages.
• Have emergency items on hand (food, water, medical supplies, weather radio, batteries, flashlights, pet supplies, etc.).
• Avoid driving if possible. If not avoid flooded areas. 
• Ensure generators and fuel sources are used outdoors, and at least 20 feet away from homes. 
• Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functional.

We will continue to post updates to our storm center here: https://www.valleytimes-news.com/category/no-paywall/helene/