We will be providing weather updates on Tropical Storm Debby and the impact we may see in our area. The Augusta area is still under alert with more rain predicted, especially in the southeastern counties in our region.
Thursday, August 8:
On Thursday, the CSRA could see more rain as TS Debby pushes back toward land. This means the flood threat remains, with a flood watch continuing for areas along and south of I-20 into Friday morning. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible, though the heaviest rainfall is expected across the southeastern counties in the CSRA. According to WJBF, a cold front will push Debby out of the way, bringing fewer showers and storms on Friday. The weekend should be drier with temperatures warming back up to the lower 90s for the highs.
In Screven County, the Emergency Management Agency has issued an alert to residents in the Lake Eureka area. The dam is in danger of failing, which could lead to more flooding. Residents are being asked to evacuate. If you need a place to evacuate, the shelter location is the Screven County Recreation Department at 1605 Millen Highway in Sylvania.
Burke County Public Schools and departments will resume normal operations today, but due to heavy rainfall, some roads are immpassable for school buses. If your road is closed or impassable, don't risk your safety. Your child will be excused. You can also contact the Transportation Department at 706-554-2859, with dispatchers available starting at 5:30 a.m.
Here are the rainy day approved stops:
Current Delays and Closings
Government:
- There are currently no closings announced at this time.
Schools:
- Jenkins County Schools: Closed until Monday, August 12th.
- Emanuel County Schools: Closed Tuesday, August 6th. A decision for Wednesday will be made later.
- Richmond County Schools will operate on a normal schedule on Tuesday, August 6. The school system will continue to monitor reports from the National Weather Service.
- Burke County Schools will be closed Tuesday, August 6. Employees, including twelve-month personnel, are not required to report to work. All students are being provided with Learn from Home materials. A meal for Tuesday will be sent home.
- Aiken County Schools will have a 2-hour delayed start on Thursday, August 8th for Busbee Elementart, Corbett Middle School, and Wagener-Salley High School. School officials say they will post any changes to the district's regular schedule at acpsd.net. After school activities are cancelled district-wide.
- Screven County Schools are closed the rest of the week.
- Bamberg County Schools are closed on Thursday, August 8th and will make a decision about Friday by midday Thursday.
Other:
- National Night Out, sponsored by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Postponed until August 20 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Riverside Park Activity Center in North Augusta.
- The City of Grovetown has announced Liberty Park will serve as an emergency shelter, should there be any road or lane closures there.
- National Night Out at Fort Eisenhower Tuesday, August 6, has been postponed.
- Aiken Park Recreation and Tourism facilities will close at 5 pm Tuesday.
- Lock And Dam Boat Ramps and Boat House Ramps are closed out of an abundance of caution.
Resources
During major storms, it's important to stay alert and up-to-date. Make sure you have a way to access information even if you lose power.
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.
Shelter: If you're in need of shelter due to evacuation, the American Red Cross may be able to assist. You can find open shelters on their website HERE.
Impacts in the CSRA
Tropical Storm Debby has brought heavy rainfall across many areas in our region. This has led to some roads being washed out or impassable. Many dirt roads have been impacted the most.
Burke and Jenkins Counties have seen more than 9 inches of rain in some areas. This caused Tom Bargeron Road in Sardis and Joe Waters Road in Millen to collapse.
In Screven County, the Lake Eureka Road Dam is in danger of failing. Residents are being asked to evacuate.
Hazards With Debby
A flood watch is in effect for the CSRA and Midlands from Monday at 12 noon until Thursday at 8 p.m. While the storm has weakened to a Tropical Storm, there are still risks that come along with the heavy amount of rain and strong winds.
Wind: Strong winds could cause some issues including power outages.
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. Excessive runoff could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying, flood-prone locations. Street flooding is also possible.
Wednesday, August 7:
Tuesday, August 6:
