The Augusta area is under a flood watch that will extend till 8 p.m. Thursday as the effects of Tropical Storm Debby move slowly through east central Georgia and central South Carolina.
Richmond County schools announced on Facebook that schools will dismiss at the normal times on Monday and classes will continue as normal on Tuesday.
Columbia County School District said as of 2 p.m. Monday, there are no changes to the schedule for Tuesday.
The National Weather Service forecast heavy rain tonight and Tuesday for metro Augusta, with accumulations of 5-10 inches and locally higher amounts, along and south of I-20.
Augusta Fire Chief and EMA Director Antonio Burden said residents should secure outdoor items, keep three days of necessities on hand and charge all devices.
Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand and ensure that pets are safe, he said.
Augusta is not a state-designated evacuation site but does expect self-evacuees to arrive in the area, he said.
Georgia Power mobilized additional staff to respond to potential outages and damage, relocating crews to sites near areas of anticipated impact, according to a news release.
Augusta Engineering was offering sand and sandbags to Augusta residents until 3 p.m. on Monday while supplies last, according to the Augusta, Georgia Government Facebook page.
Augusta Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the situation and initiating response actions as needed. Heavy rain bands with forecasts indicating 5-10 inches of rain are expected to continue through Thursday, EMA spokesperson Chiquita Richardson said.
Rivers and creeks are expected to crest later this week.
“Given that river levels are already high and soils are saturated, flooding is expected,” she said in a statement. “Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to drive across a flooded road, street or bridge.”
The City of Grovetown announced that if there is severe weather, Liberty Park will become an emergency shelter. Road or lane closures will be posted on the city’s Facebook page.
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties on Saturday.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.
