The Augusta area is reeling after in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which rolled through in the early hours of Friday morning.
The storm was measured as a Category 4 hurricane when it made landfall Thursday along Florida’s Big Bend coast. It has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. In Augusta, sustained winds were measured at 40 mph with gusts reaching 80 mph.
Across the area, downed trees and power lines have closed roads, left approximately 243 thousand homes and businesses without power, and caused extensive property damage.
Columbia County issued the following statement Friday morning.
“The Columbia County Emergency Management Agency along with other county departments are responding to reports of downed trees along major thoroughfares following recent weather events from Hurricane Helene. Our priority is to clear the main roadways to facilitate the movement of emergency response vehicles to areas in need.
Crews will begin operations on Columbia Road, working eastward toward William Few Parkway, and along Appling Harlem Road. In addition, we are conducting reconnaissance on Washington Road to assess damage and prioritize clearing efforts.
We appreciate the everyone’s patience as we focus on restoring access to critical routes. Following the initial clearing, our response will be guided by the level of emergency reported in various areas.
It is still important that residents stay home and off the roads.”