HURRICANE HELENE - CHATHAM COUNTY
Potential Impact to the area
- Warnings
o Tropical Storm Warning
- Watches
o A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday
- Tornados
o Heightened risk of Tornadoes Thursday evening into Friday morning
- Rainfall/Flooding: Potential for 2-4 inches of rain into Friday.
·As always, we remind people operating vehicles NOT to drive into standing or rising water, as depths can be deceptive.
·Please note that it will take time for waters to recede should flooding occur – for your safety, your patience is requested.
- Wind and Storm Surge:
·This will be a large storm with effects outside of the projected path.
·Most intense winds will be later Thursday night. Power outages are possible.
- Evacuations: There are currently NO PLANS for evacuation at this time.
·Residents are encouraged to sign up for and monitor CEMA alerts at chathamemergency.org or text CEMA to 77295 to receive alerts
PUBLIC SAFETY:
We are coordinating with departments, municipalities, and the state in monitoring Tropical Storm Helene and its potential effects in our area.
TRANSPORTATION:
- GDOT :
·Not currently planning to close Talmadge unless something changes.
·Civilians can report road/bridge issues through 511.
- AIRPORT:
·Airport will remain operational; however, airlines may delay and/or cancel flights depending on weather conditions.
·Travelers are advised to keep in contact with the airline with whom they are flying.
- CAT: Plans to continue operations as long as safely possible, but will monitor weather and make decisions for service interruptions as necessitated by conditions
SCHOOLS: The Savannah-Chatham County Public School system will have a half day on Thursday and E-learning at home on Friday.
- COUNTY & MUNICIPALITIES:
o Chatham County offices will be open on Thursday.
o Bloomingdale: City Hall will be closing at 3:00 today 9/26 and will evaluate later this afternoon for tomorrow depending on impacts.
o Garden City: Currently normal operations but will evaluate later this afternoon depending on impacts.
o Pooler: Currently normal operations but will evaluate later this afternoon depending on impacts.
o Port Wentworth: City Hall will be closing at 3:00 today 9/26 and will reopen Monday, 9/30 depending on impacts.
o Thunderbolt: Currently normal operations but will evaluate later this afternoon depending on impacts.
o Tybee: Currently normal operations but will evaluate later this afternoon depending on impacts.
- CURFEW: There is no curfew currently.
- SANDBAGS: Across the street from the Chatham County Aquatic Center on Sallie Mood Drive. Must bring shovel, no pre-filled bags available. Available during daylight hours.
o Garden City Sandbags: available at Garden City Hall, must bring shovel.
o City of Savannah has a sandbag location near Enmarket Arena.
o Pooler, Port Wentworth, and Tybee Island also have sandbag locations. Must be a resident of that jurisdiction, contact that jurisdiction for additional information.
o Chatham County Sandbags: Across the street from the Aquatic Center, bring your own shovel.
- SHELTERS: No shelters open as of 1:00 p.m.
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HURRICANE HELENE - RICHMOND HILL
The City of Richmond Hill is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Tornado Watch. City staff and officials are working in collaboration with Bryan County emergency management officials to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene.
Potential impacts for the City of Richmond Hill include: tropical storm force winds, elevated tides/storm surge, isolated tornadoes, periods of heavy rainfall, and high surf.
●Rain: 3-4” of rain predicted for our area.
●Wind: Sustained winds of approximately 30 mph, with tropical storm force gusts up to 62 miles per hour.
●Tornadoes: There is an increased risk for tornadoes. Our area is forecasted to receive impacts beginning this afternoon into Friday morning. This is a widespread storm; impacts are expected to reach far beyond the cone of uncertainty.
“Public works has been working tirelessly to prepare, clearing drainage ditches and storm drains throughout the city,” said Mayor Russ Carpenter. “First responders are working extra shifts throughout the duration of the storm.”
In case of an emergency, residents should call 911.
Stay informed: for up-to-date local information, we recommend visiting our website at https://bit.ly/HELENERH.
We also advise following our official social media channels at:
●Facebook: @WeAreRichmondHill
●X: @Richmond_HillGA
●Instagram: @wearerichmondhillga
Official weather reports can be obtained from the National Weather Service, Charleston, SC at https://www.weather.gov/chs/
Key Updates:
·Joint Press Conference: Today at 4:30 PM, Bryan County Government, the City of Richmond Hill, and the City of Pembroke, will hold a joint press conference about Hurricane Helene and potential impacts to Bryan County. The conference will be held at the Commission Chambers, Bryan County Administrative Building at 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive, Richmond Hill, GA 31324.
·City Closures: City administrative offices will be closing at 2:00 pm today. Critical staff and first responders will remain on-duty. Further closures will be announced on our website and official social media channels.
·Park Closures: The trail, playground and pavilion at J.F. Gregory Park and Sterling Creek Park will be closed at 12 pm today. Both parks will be assessed for damages and repair (if needed) after the storm has passed.
·Sandbags: In preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, the City of Richmond Hill is providing sand and sandbags for residents at the former GDOT lot on Timber Trail, near Port Drive. Residents are expected to fill their own bags. Also, please remember to bring your own shovels.
·Public Works: Our public works crews are diligently working hard to prepare our city for the impending effects of Helene. We ask that residents do not place yard debris out for collection. We are expecting some strong wind gusts and yard debris can get blown into the storm drains and cause drainage issues.
We caution residents to continue preparing for the storm.
·Review your emergency plan. Make sure that everyone in your household knows your emergency plan. Begin gathering emergency supplies for your household. Don’t forget to include medication, disinfectant supplies, and pet supplies. While no evacuations are expected, make sure to know your evacuation route and zone.
·Avoid the water. Storms create hazardous ocean conditions, including higher tides, rough surf, and dangerous rip currents. It’s important to avoid the Intracoastal Waterway during storms. If you see someone in trouble, call 911 immediately.
HURRICANE HELENE - BRYAN COUNTY
Bryan County is expected to feel the effects of Hurricane Helene beginning this evening with conditions deteriorating during the night. If you live in a mobile home or other structure that may not be safe during the storm, weather refuges will be opening on Thursday, September 26th at 6:00 PM. The weather refuges will be located at Mikell Foxworth Gym, 104 Ash Branch Rd in Pembroke, GA 31321, and Timber Trail Gym, located at 508 Timber Trail in Richmond Hill, GA 31324. The weather refuges will remain open until Friday, September 27 and 12:00 PM.
If you decide to utilize the weather refuges, be there before midnight, as the weather may be unsafe for you to travel in after that time. Bring what you would need to make it through the night. This includes chairs, cot, mats, pillows, blankets, medication, food, and entertainment (a book, fully charged iPad and phones, etc.) NO FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED, nor will showers or access to electrical outlets.
Law Enforcement will be on-site during the hours the weather refuge is open