A tropical storm warning has been issued for the CSRA ahead of Hurricane Helene making landfall.
Shawn Granato, Columbia County EMA director, said that even though the storm is moving west, Columbia County is still on the east side, which is the side with a higher chance of tornadoes. He added the windfield of the hurricane is expanding and could reach up to 270 miles east of the path of the storm.
The National Weather Service forecast is predicting that winds could reach 20-30 mph starting late Thursday afternoon/evening into Friday morning. Stronger gusts of up to 60 mph are possible throughout the night and are now expected in Columbia County.
“There is still a relative level of uncertainty as to how far the windfield will reach and how quickly Helene will move through Georgia. As such, the timing may change to an earlier arrival. Currently for Columbia County, National Weather Service predicts the highest threat of gusts and tornados between midnight and 9 a.m. Friday. Columbia County is still projected to receive three to six inches of rain with the heaviest precipitation Thursday evening overnight into Friday morning. Flash flooding is possible throughout Columbia County,” Granato said.
According to Augusta Richmond County Emergency Management, there are several key concerns including flood risk with a major concern of flash flooding, wind and tornado threats, power outage.
The city has provided information for the following shelters:
- Salvation Army Center of Hope: Capacity for 130, with five family rooms. Contact: Olga Gonzales, 706-504-6792
- Garden City Rescue Mission: Room for 60 men. Contact: Patrick Feistel, 706-724-6960
- Augusta Rescue Mission: Accommodates single men. Contact: Chris Jones, 706-564-1834
The CSRA is expected to feel the effects Thursday night into Friday morning. Residents are urged to make sure electronic devices are charged and that they have a way to receive alerts. Columbia County residents can sign up for Hyper Reach and Augusta Richmond County residents can sign up at ever bridge.
Both Columbia County EMA and Augusta EMA post updates on their respective Facebook pages.
A flood watch for the CSRA will be in effect from 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 until 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
With the possibility of tornadoes, residents are reminder that a tornado watch means there’s the possibility for a tornado, while a warning means that one has been spotted, either on the ground or on the radar. If a warning is issued, residents need to seek shelter in an interior room away from windows immediately.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene making landfall.
Updates on Hurricane Helene can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Richmond County School System
On Wednesday , the Richmond County School System said classes would continue as normal on Thursday, Sept. 26, but after school activities would be suspended by 6 p.m.
Columbia County School District
Columbia County School District is working with local officials and monitoring the situation, according to the district. There will be some changes to games due to other school districts canceling, but no other changes have been made to the school schedule.
Parents will be notified directly if or when any changes are announced.
Aiken County Public School District
Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, Aiken County Public Schools has announced several changes.
After school activities, including athletic, arts, meetings and Quest Zone, for Thursday, Sept. 26 are canceled. School on Friday, Sept. 27 will be an e-learning day for students with teachers and staff working remotely.
“We recognize that several high schools have athletic events this week, including some with Homecoming. Some of those schools have moved their football games to this evening. Others are planning to host their games Friday night after the storm passes through. Should the weather necessitate a change to those plans, additional information will be shared by our high schools directly. We apologize for the disruption that this change will cause to our students and families and, as always, appreciate the flexibility and cooperation of our school community,” the district said in a statement.
McDuffie County School District
McDuffie County School District released the following statement: “All after-school activities in McDuffie County Schools scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, have been cancelled. This includes after-school meetings, athletic events, the Y after-school program and the Boys and Girls Club. The district will announce on Thursday if there are any necessary cancellations or modifications for Friday due to the risk of inclement weather. Thank you for your continued support of McDuffie County Schools.”
Area sports
For updates on area sports, check here.
The Augusta Press will post updates as they become available.
