Hurricane Helene’s Impact Fueled South Georgia Fires | Weather.com
May 12, 2026Updated: May 12, 2026, 12:00 pm EDTPublished: May 12, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT

It is no surprise that southern Georgia is under exceptional drought, the highest level of drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor. But, there is another factor for why these wildfires exploded in acreage burned. It has to do with Hurricane Helene, which leveled numerous trees across south Georgia, providing fuel for the future fires. Meteorologist Sara Tonks breaks down the current drought and the connection to Hurricane Helene.

Loading comments...

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement