Warner Robins braces for Hurricane Helene’s impact

"Please, please, please stay inside," said Warner Robins Fire Chief, Albert S. Wright.

Warner Robins, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Gas stations and groceries stores have been packed as the potential impact of Hurricane Helene is getting serious for Middle Georgia.

President Joe Biden and Governor Brian Kemp have issued a state of emergency for all of Georgia and in Warner Robins, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick issued a local state of emergency earlier today.

An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was shortly put together soon after at City Hall and Mayor Patrick is being briefed on the situation by first responders every two hours as they discuss how to respond to potential scenarios that could occur overnight when Helene is at its strongest.

We spoke to Warner Robins Fire Chief, Albert S. Wright about areas that could be cause for concern.

“We’re marking streets, we’re putting barricades to block them off, so people won’t enter them. We’re doing everything that we can to prepare,” said Fire Chief Wright.

“Please stay off the roads if possible. Please. You know, be conscious, be aware. Pay attention to what’s going on and please, please, please stay inside,” he said.

According to Fire Chief Wright, over 20 Flint Energy teams are at the ready, as Warner Robins has been split into seven areas for ease of response for first responders.