Effingham Co EMA has upgraded our Emergency Operations Center to Operation Level 2; we are now operating 24 hours until the threat has passed. This is still an extremely large, powerful storm, and is approximately 425 miles in overall diameter. Irma is a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 130mph, moving north-northwest at 8mph. This afternoon, Effingham County will continue to experience heavy rain and winds increasing to 20+mph.
Effingham County Current Weather Statements: Tropical Storm Warning-until further notice & Flash Flood Watch-until 2am on Sept. 12
Sustained tropical storm-force winds are possible across southeast Georgia. This may result in numerous downed trees and power lines, leading to power outages. Flash flooding and tornadoes are also possible, especially across southeast Georgia.
Effingham County Local Safe Shelters
-participants must bring their own food, water, toiletries and blankets.
9/10/17 @ 5PM - Liberty Christian Fellowship (302 Church St, Guyton GA 31312)
9/10/17 @ 6PM - Sand Hill Baptist Church (1936 Sand Hill Rd, Guyton GA 31312)
9/10/17 @ 6PM - Elam Egypt Baptist Church (184 Fifth St, Guyton, GA 31312)
***Effingham Hospital should only be used by patients with life threatening emergencies***
We ask everyone to limit travel on the roads as the storm move closer and conditions deteriorate. If you have evacuated out of the county, please wait before returning. We do not want anyone driving in dangerous conditions. Keep in mind: power, water, and phones could be disrupted for several days and roads could be closed by debris and damage.
Help your emergency responders: Pull trashcans away from the road and secure them from becoming obstacles. Bring inside or tie down anything in your yards that could become flying debris.
Effingham Co. EMA has set up a voice-recorded information line for citizens at 912-754-8206. We are also running information updates on our website and Facebook page.
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