Cherokee Co. To Activate Emergency Operations Center Ahead Of Helene

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Several offices in Cherokee County will be closed Friday, and the Emergency Operations Center will be partially activated Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene.

Cherokee County officials on Thursday said the EOC will partly open at 8 p.m. and will remain open as necessary. Various government personnel will be present at the EOC.

"The EOC is a location where all decision-making parties can help plan ahead of a severe weather event, deploy resources during the event and provide recovery and cleanup efforts after an event," county officials said.

Wind and rain, potential impacts from Helene, could reach Cherokee between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday, county officials said.

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Trees could be downed, roads may close and residents could experience power outages. County officials said residents should stay off of the roads and shelter in place until Helene passes through the area.

The following county offices will be closed Friday: government offices, courts, the tax commissioner's office and the clerk of courts office.

The Cherokee Area Transit Service paused operations Thursday and Friday.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks has canceled all activities for Thursday and Friday.