GA Gov. Kemp issues state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene [Video]

MACON, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Helene inches closer to Florida and forecasts suggest that the storm will eventually make its way into Georgia.

“Unfortunately, because this is a state-wide event, we fully anticipate that our resources are going to be scattered throughout the state,” Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Stallings said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

Based on current forecasts, Helene is expected to make landfall on Thursday evening in Florida, the executive order says.

Ahead of the storm, Gov. Kemp’s emergency declaration mobilizes resources, expands government power and loosens certain regulations so the state can better respond to any impacts from the storm.

Among the measures in the order, Kemp freed up 500 members of the Georgia National Guard, bans price gauging and orders “all resources of the State of Georgia be …