Hurricane Helene made its way through the CSRA early Friday morning, bringing strong winds and rain.
Many in the CSRA are without power as crews start to safely work on clearing roads and getting trees off of downed lines.
Columbia County released the following statement Friday morning:
“The Columbia County Emergency Management Agency along with other county departments are responding to reports of downed trees along major thoroughfares following recent weather events from Hurricane Helene. Our priority is to clear the main roadways to facilitate the movement of emergency response vehicles to areas in need.
Crews will begin operations on Columbia Road, working eastward toward William Few Parkway, and along Appling Harlem Road. In addition, we are conducting reconnaissance on Washington Road to assess damage and prioritize clearing efforts.
We appreciate the everyone’s patience as we focus on restoring access to critical routes. Following the initial clearing, our response will be guided by the level of emergency reported in various areas.
It is still important that residents stay home and off the roads.”
The following roads are closed in Columbia County:
- Owens Road
- Louisville Road
- Wrightsboro Road
- Appling Harlem Road @ Browns Road
- The Pass at Saddletree Lane
- Saddletree Lane @ Butterfield Court
- Reynolds Farm Road
- Mill Branch Road
Columbia County EMA posted on Facebook that it is working to clear roads and operations were beginning on Columbia Road and they would work east toward William Few Parkway and along Appling Harlem Road. Washington Road is also being checked for damages.
“We appreciate the everyone’s patience as we focus on restoring access to critical routes. Following the initial clearing, our response will be guided by the level of emergency reported in various areas. It is still important that residents stay home and off the roadways. Residents we ask that you please stay at home as we work to remove debris and downed trees from the roads. This is critical so first responders and county personnel can respond to the needs of our residents,” said Columbia County EMA.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson declared a state of emergency for Augusta-Richmond County.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the lives and property of our residents. Please stay indoors and allow our crews the space and time they need to manage this emergency,” Johnson said.
Augusta Regional Airport
The Augusta Regional Airport announced it was closed on Friday and all flights have been cancelled. Travelers need to check with the airlines directly for up to date flight information.
Aiken County
The Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt has instated a curfew from Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. This comes following Aiken County chairman signing an emergency declaration on Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene. Only first responders and essential workers for businesses/services are exempt.
“This act is being use as a deterrence for anyone who would want to take advantage of our citizens who have been greatly impacted by the storm,” said Sheriff Hunt. “We have a substantial interest in the safety and security of our communities.”
Citizens are encouraged to avoid areas impacted by the storm and to stay off the roads so essential services and first responders can help those in need. Violators/looters will be arrested.
Georgia Power is showing most of the CSRA without power with the outage map showing over 150,000 people in the CSRA. They are assessing the conditions and there is currently no estimated restoration time.
This story will be updated throughout the day with more information as it becomes available.
