Winter Weather Updates For The CSRA
The CSRA has the potential for some winter weather between Friday and Saturday. Below is the latest weather update along with local school updates.
The previous Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning to include Saluda, Edgefield, McCormick, Lincoln, Wilkes, and Taliaferro counties. Heavy mixed precipitation is expected with the total snow and sleet accumulation mostly up to 0.5′. Some isolated locations could see higher amounts.
According to WJBF, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Richmond, Aiken, Columbia, McDuffie, Warren, Glascock, Hancock, and Washington counties from 10 a.m. Friday through 4 a.m. on Saturday.
Winter Weather School Updates
Here are the latest updates from our local school systems:
- Update: Columbia County Schools will begin dismissal earlier than originally announced. Middle Schools at 10:30 a.m.; High Schools at 10:35 a.m.; and Elementary Schools at 11:25 a..m.
- Update: USC Aiken has transitioned to remote operations. In-person events scheduled through 12 pm Saturday have been postponed. Athletic coaches will communicate with student-athletes concerning afternoon practice schedules.
- Update: Aiken County Schools has announced they will close today. Any students who were already picked up for school are being taken back home.
- All Lincoln County Schools will be closed on Friday.
- All Warren County Schools will be closed on Friday
- Richmond County Schools will be open and operate on a normal schedule, but will release two hours early. All after-school activities are cancelled. School buildings will open early to accommodate students who may arrive before their scheduled start times. The school system will provide an update no later than 2 pm Friday regarding activities and and field trips scheduled for Saturday.
- McDuffie County students will learn from home on Friday.
- Burke County Schools will operate on a normal class schedule Friday, but after-school activities have been cancelled. All Burke County High School Basketball games scheduled for Friday, January 10, have been rescheduled for Saturday, January 11.
- For Edgefield, Saluda, McCormick, Taliaferro, Wilkes and Newberry Counties, it will be an e-learning day on Friday.
- Augusta University has cancelled in-person classes and activities for Friday. Online classes will continue as scheduled.
- Augusta Tech cancelled
- The University of Georgia campus in Athens will be closed on Friday. There will be no in-person classes, campus events, or activities. Dining halls and residence halls will remain open on Friday.
- Georgia Military College closed Friday.
Other Closures For Friday
State offices in the Winter Storm Watch areas, including Augusta, Macon, and Columbus, will be closed on Friday.
Fort Eisenhower: End/closing times for services, programs, and facilities scheduled for Friday evening will be adjusted to ensure safety. Personnel should contact their Chain of Command for reporting and dismissal information for Friday.
Preparations for Winter Weather
From the City of Augusta:
Augusta Fire/EMA is working closely with county departments to prepare for the significant winter weather that is forecasted to impact North and Central Georgia between 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.
Ice accumulation is anticipated north of I-20, creating dangerous road conditions and the potential for widespread power disruptions. Freezing temperatures also increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the cold.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level 3 monitoring, ensuring all city departments are ready to respond. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will conduct shelter checks, and the Marshal’s Office is on standby to assist as needed.
Augusta Utilities is protecting critical systems, issuing notices to help residents safeguard pipes, and preparing generators. Augusta Engineering is pre-treating roads and preparing snow removal equipment, while Parks and Recreation is securing outdoor facilities and readying shelters for potential use.
Citizens are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and drive cautiously if travel is essential. Prepare homes by insulating pipes, securing outdoor items, and assembling emergency kits. Check on vulnerable neighbors, and use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Shelters are available for those in need, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Garden City Rescue Mission, and Augusta Rescue Mission. At this time, no ID checks will be required for shelter access. Augusta, Georgia is also offering daytime warming centers, and those locations are listed at augustaga.gov.
Augusta Transit is providing free transportation to the daytime shelters, but individuals can use Augusta Transit’s normal bus routes during regular operating hours to get to these locations. For more information and route planning, call Augusta Transit at 706-821-1719 between 6:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
Additional Tips
- Limit your time on the roads – especially bridges and overpasses.
- If you must travel, leave with plenty of time and drive slowly. It’s best to avoid the roads, especially early Saturday morning.
- Prepare for isolated power outages and minor tree damage.
- Freezing temperatures can lead to burst water pipes. Wrap exposed pipes to insulate them from the cold. Also, consider letting faucets drip or slightly stream overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep your pets safe. Ensure they have access to food and water. Shelter them indoors if possible, or ensure they have blankets or straw and shelter out of the wind and rain.
- Never use a portable generator indoors.