Macon under local state of emergency as Hurricane Helene risks grow, officials say

Macon-Bibb County was placed under a local state of emergency Thursday afternoon.

Mayor Lester Miller signed the declaration around 2:30 p.m., an official confirmed.

“I want our community to take this seriously and take the precautions needed,” Miller said in a news release. “Please check on your neighbors and stay safe.”

Spencer Hawkins, director of the Bibb County Emergency Management Agency, said emergency operations were activated under the Local Emergency Operation Plan.

The announcement came minutes before Macon was placed under a tornado watch around 2:45 p.m. The watch is in place until 9 p.m., the National Weather Service announced.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.