Monroe County EMA activates emergency evacuation shelters ahead of Hurricane Helene

The shelters will open at 4 p.m. on September 26 and remain open until 5 p.m. on September 27, unless there is a significant change in the weather pattern.

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency has activated 3 emergency evacuation shelters as a result of Hurricane Helene, according to Public Information Officer Captain Christina Bramlett.

Hurricane Helene was labeled an unprecedented event with rain amounts doubling from the previous forecast during a weather briefing with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.

Bramlett says that Monroe County has many citizens who live on or near waterways with many of those families having children or elderly family members.

The shelters are activated at the following locations:

•  High Falls – Station 2 (new location) at 42 Towaliga River Drive, Jackson, GA 30233
• Forsyth – Monroe Co. Recreation Department at 100 Dan Pitts Drive, Forsyth, GA 31029
• Smarr – New Providence Baptist Church at 260 Highway 41 S, Forsyth, GA 31029

The High Falls Station 2 location is the only location that will be accepting pets who are in a crate or kennel.

The shelters will open at 4 p.m. on September 26 and remain open until 5 p.m. on September 27, unless there is a significant change in the weather pattern. Evacuees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and non-perishable foods.