A tornado watch was issued for Richmond and Columbia counties and surrounding areas at 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. A watch means there is potential for a tornado and a warning means that one has been spotted, either on radar or on the ground.
All updates on closings, power outages, flooded roads and any other issues caused by the storm on Tuesday, Jan. 9 will be posted here.
According to National Weather Service, a wind advisory has been issued until 10 p.m. Thunderstorms are likely starting around 10:30 a.m., with the possibility of hail and some tornadoes.
According to the Columbia County EMA Facebook page, the weather is expected to pass through the area by 3 p.m.
Out of an abundance of caution, Augusta Municipal Building will close at 2 p.m. today. Augusta 311 will remain open until 7 p.m. for non-emergency or weather-related concerns, and public safety operations will continue as normal. Regular business hours will resume Wednesday.
Due to inclement weather, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office closed for regular business at 11 a.m. and will resume normal hours Wednesday.
The Aiken County’s School Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Many schools elected to have an e-learning day or close, with Columbia County continuing as normal.
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, Copeland Elementary School students will observe a PowerUp Asynchronous Learning Day as power has not be restored, according to a press release from the county.
Augusta residents can stay up to date on the potential threat of severe weather by signing up for the Augusta Emergency Management Agency’s emergency and weather alert system. Click here to register.
