Curfew in place for Dougherty County as impact of Hurricane Helene approaches

ALBANY – A curfew has been declared for Albany and Dougherty County, and the emergency response includes the opening of a shelter for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which could come this afternoon.

The Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency was expecting the worst of the storm’s impacts to come with a 12-hour window starting at between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The curfew put in place prohibits all nonessential travel within the county from 7 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday.

The Albany Civic center has been opened as a shelter and residents with questions about the shelter can call (229) 302-1800.

The county is fully prepared, with the Emergency Operation Center open and staffed and extra Emergency Medical Service personnel available to assist during the emergency, Dougherty County Commissioner Anthony Jones said.

Jones, who visited the emergency center earlier in the day, said officials expect that hurricane-force winds can impact the county, with widespread power outages. Residents should shelter and avoid downed power lines and driving in floodwaters.

“The most important thing we want to let people know is to batten down the hatches and stay in their safe zone,” he said. “We’re ready. We’re expecting the worst, but hoping and praying for the best.”

By the early afternoon on Thursday Helene had intensified into a Category 3 hurricane and predictions were that it could reach a massive strength of Category 4 before making landfall.

In a Thursday news release, Dougherty County Commission Chairman Lorenzo Heard said that the curfew was necessary to protect residents and allow emergency personnel to to work safely and efficiently.

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]