LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Hurricane Helene could cause "catastrophic storm surge" in southeast parts of the U.S.

People in Kentucky and southern Indiana will see a lot of wind and rain move through the area over the next few days as the hurricane remnants head this way, but no severe weather is in the forecast. 

Utility crews on standby 

Damaging winds, rains and flash floods will mean likely damage to infrastructure and power grids in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia.

LG&E said it needs to assess local needs before sending utility crews to the areas that will be affected, but the company is monitoring the forecast and it's possible crews will head south.

Duke Energy has already dispatched support from its Midwest operations to help with expected hurricane damage in Florida. The company sent a group from Indiana of 80 employees and about 100 contractors. In addition to line workers, damage assessors and vegetation workers are ready to help clear trees from power lines.

"Utilities have a long history of assisting one another during major weather events, and Indiana has benefited from that over the years. We always make sure, though, that we have enough resources at home, and we are prepared to respond to any weather-related power outages that may occur here," said Duke Energy spokeswoman Angeline Protogere in a statement.

Indiana's electric cooperatives are also sending crews and equipment to assist in the hurricane recovery efforts. An estimated 40 line workers from 12 of the state's electric cooperatives leave Thursday from Clark County REMC to assist EMC near Marietta, Georgia. 

Clark County REMC said the work linemen do every day prepares them for storms like this one.

"In our daily work, we practice the same safety roles and safety procedures that we'll have to face in this type of an event so that it's more natural," said Josh Bohlsen, operations supervisor for Clark County REMC.

He said among the crews from across the state, there are four linemen with Clark County REMC headed to Georgia for hurricane assistance. He said the commitment for this work isn't just from the linemen, but their families as well. 

"Their families are committing at the same point that they're going to send their loved ones off into this territory that is a little unknown at this point," he said.

Before the crews left Thursday, they talked safety and prayed together. Several other crews are staying back locally to help with any power outages here.

"We have everything ready to go when that storm does role through," said Jason Clemmons, CEO of Clark County REMC. 

Clemmons said crews heading south are expected to base in Cobb County, not too far from Atlanta. Depending on where the damage is, they could travel elsewhere, including Florida. 

This team from Indiana is expected to remain on storm clean-up for about one week, but it could be longer depending on the need.

High school football

In the Louisville area, at least 19 high school football games in Kentucky have been moved to Thursday night instead of Friday, as remnants of Helene head our way. The biggest game of the week is likely Friday's big rivalry between Trinity vs. St. X, which is still on. WDRB Meteorologist Marc Weinberg said game time will be rainy and windy. 

"You can't control it. You know, you have absolutely no control over it," said Trinity's head coach Jay Cobb. "Both teams are going to have to experience it and deal with it. It will play a factor, there's no doubt, whoever handles those conditions the best is probably going to be the team that wins the football game."

Cobb said the players can only control one thing, and that's their effort. 

St. Xavier's head coach Kevin Wallace said with the recent drought, it's been difficult to prepare for these rainy conditions. He also noted it's not something anyone can control. 

"I'm more concerned about the wind. If it's really windy with the rain, then that has a huge impact on kicking game, throwing the ball," Wallace said.

There are also some school districts in our area that have gone to remote learning for Friday. To check the updated list, click here. 

Louder Than Life

Organizers of the Louder Than Life festival are watching the forecast, as well. The concerts will go on, but fans are being told to prepare for rain and bring necessary gear. 

Danny Wimmer Presents General Manager Chamie McCurry said they have safety measures in place in case of severe weather. Current forecasts don't appear to have severe weather, but winds could be an issue from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

"If lighting is within a certain radius we would pause the show to allow fans to be able to go back to their campgrounds to see shelter, in their vehicles," McCurry said.

Freedom Hall and the Kentucky Exposition Center will also serve as a shelter for fans to wait out a storm.

Hurricane Helene

Helene was upgraded Thursday to a Category 3 storm and is expected to be a major hurricane — meaning a Category 3 or higher— when it makes landfall on Florida's northwestern coast. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extended far beyond the coast up into south-central Georgia. The governors of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia have all declared emergencies in their states.

For more information on the incoming weather, click here.

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