National

Bahamians in Georgia Brace for Hurricane Helene

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA – Discover how Hurricane Helene is impacting Bahamians in Georgia. Hear firsthand accounts of preparations and memories of past hurricanes, and learn what steps are being taken to stay safe.

Published

3 months ago

September 26, 2024

Delvardo Emmanuel

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA – Vanda Douglas – Bahamian living in Atlanta

“It’s been raining constantly, from this morning. It’s getting a bit gloomier to me, so that’s why we’re trying to hurry up, go in, go in the stores, and lock down.”

Hurricane Helene is making its way north, and forecasters project the storm will likely make landfall along the Georgia or South Carolina coastline within the next 48 hours.

For many Bahamians in Georgia, the storm evokes memories of previous hurricanes that ravaged The Bahamas, like the most recent Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Vanda Douglas, a Bahamian living in Atlanta, says she and her family have already started preparing for the storm.

Vanda Douglas – Bahamian living in Atlanta

“We’ve stocked up on a lot of essentials—water, canned goods. Currently, it’s raining, so my brother and I are on the road now just about to get our last mini battery-operated flashlights.”

Shenique Whymns Prepares for Hurricane Helene

Shenique Whymns – Bahamian living in Atlanta

“The car is loaded up on gas in the event of an evacuation order. “

Shenique Whymns, a 17-year Georgia resident, says while she plans on bunkering down at home, she’s also ready to evacuate if necessary.

Shenique Whymms – Bahamian living in Georgia

“The car is loaded up on gas in the event of an evacuation order. Considering that the entire state is expected to be impacted, I’m not sure where exactly people will be directed to, but I thank the family nearby in Tennessee and North Carolina that I can probably go ahead and run in with.”

Both women say they’re keeping a close eye on the storm and plan to be as prepared as possible as Helene continues to trek north.