Atlanta sees first-ever Flash Flood Emergency as Helene's fury forces multiple water rescues
Atlanta was placed under its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency on Friday morning as the city endures its wettest three-day period in 104 years.
Infant, mother rescued from flooding in Atlanta live on FOX Weather
A woman carrying an infant strapped to her chest was rescued live on FOX Weather early Friday morning after numerous rivers and streams in the Atlanta area overflowed their banks due to the torrential rain from deadly Tropical Storm Helene.
ATLANTA – Helene unleashed its destructive force on the Southeast, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. After making a devastating landfall in Florida late Thursday night, the storm continued its relentless onslaught, bringing torrential rain and widespread flooding to the region.
Atlanta, located roughly 300 miles north of the storm's landfall, was not spared from Helene's wrath. Well before dawn in the city, conditions rapidly deteriorated, with millions facing the risk of life-threatening flooding.
The city was placed under its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency on Friday morning as Atlanta endures its wettest three-day period since Dec. 7-9, 1919, when 11.75 inches fell. Since Wednesday, Atlanta has picked up more than 9 inches of rain, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has responded to numerous weather-related calls overnight. As of 7 a.m. ET, approximately 25 people have been rescued in the metro area.
In northwest Atlanta, a family of two adults and an infant found themselves trapped on top of their car due to unexpected currents. A daring boat rescue brought them to safety, capturing the dramatic scene live on FOX Weather.
Among the rescues across the city, crews evacuated multiple residents from the Peachtree Park Apartments in Buckhead, a neighborhood north of downtown. Floodwaters inundated the apartments, forcing residents to flee their homes.
Water rescues ongoing at flooded Atlanta apartment complex from Helene's relentless rains
Water rescues were ongoing Friday morning at Peachtree Corners Apartments in Buckhead, Georgia, as floodwaters caused by drenching rains have risen from Hurricane Helene's arrival in metro Atlanta.
Several boats were deployed to transport people and pets to safety, while some residents were forced to wade through deep water to reach rescue crews. As the rain continued, the situation was expected to worsen, necessitating further evacuations, FOX 5 in Atlanta reports.
Several inches of rain had already fallen across Georgia, prompting numerous Flash Flood Warnings to be issued. Cities like Atlanta were under these warnings, and officials urged residents to stay off the roads.
Water rescues underway as Helene slams Atlanta
Helene is continuing its destructive path through Georgia, causing severe flooding and posing significant dangers to residents. FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Lindsay Tuman is at the Peachtree Park Apartments, where the situation remains critical.
The death toll from Helene in the state continues to rise.
In Colquitt County, Georgia, one person was tragically killed when their vehicle collided with a fallen tree. Widespread damage has been reported in the area, and emergency management officials are working to assess the extent of the destruction, FOX 5 reports.
Additionally, at least two more deaths have been confirmed in Wheeler County, Georgia. A mobile home was damaged during one of the many Tornado Warnings associated with the storm, resulting in the loss of lives.
Roads throughout the region were severely impacted by the flooding, with photos and videos showing water rushing over roadways as torrential rain and strong winds continued. One photo captured the flooding in Sandy Springs, Georgia, after water in Nancy Creek began to rise.
According to FOX 5, firefighters were responding to reports that a woman was trapped inside her home by rising floodwaters, and residents living near Nancy Creek were being evacuated due to the rising water levels.
This photo shows flooding in Sandy Springs, Georgia, due to the torrential rain from Hurricane Helene.
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In Chamblee, Georgia, a massive sinkhole opened up, adding to the growing list of storm-related hazards.
As rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the damage in the Peach State and the number of fatalities is expected to become clearer in the coming days.
This photo shows a sinkhole in Chamblee, Georgia.
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