Augusta City Offices Closing Early Due to Idalia

A tropical storm warning is in effect for many counties in the CSRA today due to the effects of Hurricane Idalia here later today.

Augusta officials say all city offices will close at noon today.

"Out of an abundance of caution, in preparation for Hurricane Idalia and any subsidiary storms our area may receive, Augusta offices will close at 12 p.m. today.  Augusta 311 will continue regular operating hours today of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm to respond to non-emergency service requests."

Residents can receive up-to-date information by signing up for the Augusta Emergency Management Agency's severe weather and hazardous conditions alerting system.  Go to https://member.everbridge.net/1569557143617555/login.

The tropical storm has moved through our area and dry weather is expected the rest of the day and through the Labor Day weekend.  The tropical storm warning has been cancelled.

Government:

Schools:

Check out the latest on school schedule changes HERE.

Other:

The City of Augusta is helping residents weather the storm with the following resources:

Free sandbags: Free sandbags are available today, August 30, 2023, to Richmond County residents while supplies last. The distribution site is 2316 Tobacco Road, and residents can get up
to 5 bags.

Transportation to local shelters: Augusta Transit is providing free rides to local shelters, and residents can call 706-821-1721 to schedule a ride.

Weather alerts: Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on the potential threat of severe weather by signing up for the Augusta Emergency Management Agency’s severe weather and
hazardous conditions alerting system. Details HERE.

Dangerous storm surge is happening along the Gulf Coast. There are also damaging winds moving inland.

The National Hurricane Center is predicting areas of flash, urban, and moderate river flooding from north Florida, through central Georgia, South Carolina, and eastern North Carolina through tomorrow.

Preparing for storm impact - get details.

Georgia Governor issues State of Emergency.  More on that story here.

South Carolina Governor declares State of Emergency.  That story here.

*Rain will increase in intensity throughout the day.  Expectation of 3 to 7 inches of rain in many areas, could be more in some areas.  We are under a flash flood watch.  Possibilty of isolated tornadoes, also high wind risks.*

A flood watch is in effect for the CSRA and Midlands from 2 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon. We are also under a tropical storm warning.

As of 8 a.m. this morning, the storm is expected to weaken to a Category 1 Hurricane or a strong tropical storm as it nears South Carolina.

Wind: Strong winds could cause some issues including power outages.  This will affect the CSRA and the Midlands mostly Wednesday evening and night.

Flooding: There could be 4-8 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts. The heaviest amounts are expected in the lower counties in the CSRA and the Midlands this afternoon through Thursday morning.

Tornadoes: A chance of tornadoes is possible.  The lower CSRA and eastern Midlands are the mostly likely to be at risk mostly this evening into tonight.

As we prepare for Idalia to move through the area this afternoon, the NWS in Columbia posted these reminders.  There will be tornado threats, high winds, and flood potential. Make sure you stay alert when it comes to the impending weather!

Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Idalia this morning. The storm is expected to cause surge and destructive winds this morning in the Florida Big Bend.  Tallahassee's NWS is urging people in the area to take immediate shelter along the coast of Taylor and Dixie County.

The update from the National Weather Service as of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.  Stay tuned for more updates.

The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center remind us that even when the storm has passed, there are still risks.