No evacuations have been issued and are not planned at this time, Liberty County officials said Thursday morning.

In a briefing on Hurricane Helene with Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette and Hinesville City Manager Kenneth Howard, Liberty Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Dodd said Helene still could impact Liberty County, 200 miles from the storm’s center. Dodd said from 1.5-3 inches of rain is expected, with amounts higher west of I-95, and there could be a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet along the coast.

There is a risk of tornadoes, Dodd said, with the chances increasing tonight and into Friday, along with the risk of high winds.

Liberty County has activated a non-emergency phone line at (912) 368-2202 for storm-related questions and concerns.  

Helene is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane later today and is forecast to land in Florida’s Big Bend area, near Tallahassee, this evening.

“It is forecast to be a large storm with effects well to the east of the center,” he said.

Liberty County residents are reminded to make sure they are following the right Liberty County on social media when looking for updates on Hurricane Helene.

Dodd pointed out there is also a Liberty County in Florida and is in the Big Bend region, where the storm is expected to make landfall tonight.

The Coastal Health District announced its offices and clinics, including those in Liberty and Long counties, will be closed today and Friday.

Anyone with an appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.

Due to Hurricane Helene, Winn Army Community Hospital and all outlying clinics will have a delayed opening on Friday. Outpatient services will resume at 9 a.m.

Appointments scheduled before 9 a.m. have been postponed. WACH will be reaching out to patients to reschedule. You can also call the appointment line at 571-802-0394 beginning at 9 a.m.

Winn’s Labor and delivery, the emergency department, and inpatient services will remain open throughout the storm.

Liberty County School System officials announced schools will be closed today and Friday due to potential effects of Hurricane Helene. City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices will be closed today and Friday and will reopen Monday. City trash pickup will continue unless conditions make it unsafe for crews to be on the roads.

Flemington City Hall also is closed Thursday and Friday, and will reopen Monday.

The Coastal Health District urges residents to be prepared as Hurricane Helene approaches. They should:

• Have a three-day supply of non-perishable foods.
• Have one gallon of water per person per day.
• Have a three-day supply of prescription medications.
• Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting.
• Charge phones and electronics.

If residents are under a tornado warning, they should go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. It’s safest to stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.