State park systems in the Southeast United States are preparing for the landfall of Hurricane Helene, a large a violent storm predicted to cause enormous damage.
The storm is projected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline starting Thursday. The tremendous size of the storm has the US National Hurricane Center warning of intense rain and hurricane-force winds felt well inland.
Mandatory evacuations are underway throughout affected coastal areas since Helene is seen bringing with it a huge and dangerous storm surge.
Alabama State Parks says it is ready to provide shelter for some escaping the storm. The Alabama State Parks Division is also preparing facilities closest to survive the winds and rains.
“Our weather-aware teams are ready to assist with your stay at all 21 Alabama State Parks,” managers said in a release.
State park authorities in Georgia are warning visitors and anyone seeking to take shelter to be alert for “hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, lightning, and potential tornadoes.”
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources said it is scrambling to mobilize equipment and response teams ahead of the huge storm.
“In south Georgia, DNR’s incident command post has started staging teams outfitted with heavy equipment, boats, chainsaws, and ATVs,” Georgia DNR said. “These teams will respond as needed to clear roads, conduct water rescues, provide security and deliver critical supplies.”
“While this eruption has been relatively small in terms of volume of lava, gas emissions have registered at very high levels at a nearby monitor station at Kealakomo Overlook,” NPS said.
State parks in Georgia directly in the storm’s path will be closed. However, authorities said other parks less affected will be open and will be welcoming travelers seeking to escape from Hurricane Helene.
“State Parks outside of the path of the storm are open and available to displaced citizens.”
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