Dozens of people rescued, homes and cars swept up as Helene floods northwest Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Friday, hundreds of people in northwest Atlanta woke up to flooded front yards and cars completely submerged in water.

“I think it’s just a place of gratitude that everyone here is safe. And although it’s very impactful, it could have been much worse. And that family is the most important thing. Everything is replaceable,” said Walt Deriso, who’s entire yard was flooded.

Deriso and his family decided not to evacuate as the tropical storm winds and rain of Helene approached Atlanta.

Some of Deriso’s neighbors had to be rescued by boat from the rising flood waters.

Atlanta Fire & Rescue told Atlanta News First they rescued more than 25 people, most in Buckhead and northwest Atlanta.

Fire crews did not report any serious injuries from those in flood zones in northwest Atlanta.

Along Defoors Ferry Road, a Watershed Management officials said the high water pressure from the overflowing waters of Peachtree Creek caused a sewage line to break, leading to countless gallons of raw sewage to spill into the surrounding neighborhood.

As part of the floods, a MARTA bus was stranded along Defoors Ferry Road for much of the day.

A good Samaritan helped take at least three riders to safety while the driver waited on a tow truck.

The Galloway School Baseball/Softball field was completely submerged in water. By Friday evening, the waters started to recede.

On Friday, Mayor Andre Dickens declared a state of emergency in response to the storms brought by Hurricane Helene.

I am declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta, effective immediately. This declaration will allow us to access vital federal and state resources to expedite our recovery efforts and ensure the safety and well-being of all Atlanta residents,” said Mayor Dickens, in a statement.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.