News Summary
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Augusta, effective from 10 a.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service warns of mixed precipitation with potential snow, sleet, and ice accumulation, posing hazards for residents. A state of emergency has been declared, mobilizing response agencies to address winter storm challenges. Residents are urged to limit travel and prepare for freezing temperatures. Shelters are available for those in need, while local officials finalize storm response plans.
Augusta – A winter weather advisory has been issued for the Augusta area, effective from 10 a.m. on Friday until 4 a.m. on Saturday. The National Weather Service has indicated that a winter storm is expected to impact much of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), bringing mixed precipitation that could result in hazardous conditions for residents.
Forecasts suggest that snow and sleet accumulations could reach up to a half inch in some areas, while ice accumulations are projected at approximately two-tenths of an inch. These conditions are likely to create slippery roads, which may significantly affect the Friday evening commute for local travelers.
In response to the approaching weather, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a statewide state of emergency lasting from Thursday through Tuesday. This declaration enables the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center, which facilitates coordination and readiness across various state and local agencies.
Essential personnel from agencies such as the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety have been mobilized to address potential challenges posed by the storm. Roads have already been treated with brine solutions on key highways I-20 and I-520 to improve safety ahead of the anticipated weather conditions.
Residents are strongly advised to limit travel during the storm due to rapidly deteriorating conditions. Augusta Fire and Emergency Management are actively coordinating preparations with other city departments to ensure readiness for any emergencies that may arise. Meanwhile, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is conducting shelter checks, with the Marshal’s Office on standby to provide assistance if needed.
Augusta Utilities is issuing notices for residents to safeguard their pipes against freezing temperatures and is preparing generators to maintain service for critical systems during the storm. City officials are also taking precautionary measures by securing outdoor facilities and preparing shelters for potential use during this severe weather event.
Several shelters, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope and the Augusta Rescue Mission, are set to be accessible without ID checks to accommodate those in need. Additionally, daytime warming centers will be made available, with free transportation provided by Augusta Transit to ensure residents can access these resources safely.
In the surrounding areas, officials in Aiken County are finalizing their storm response plans, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and fuel are prepared for immediate deployment as needed. The North Augusta Department of Public Safety has also made arrangements, having access to necessary equipment like dump trucks and sand to aid in storm response efforts.
As the winter storm approaches, residents are reminded to take personal safety precautions, including turning off sprinkler systems to eliminate the risk of hazardous ice formation on roadways.
With the winter storm expected to bring challenging conditions, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as local authorities work to address the impact of the severe weather.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Early Morning Winter Weather in North Augusta
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WFXG: Snow Back in the Forecast
- Google Search: Winter Weather Augusta Georgia
- Augusta Chronicle: Statewide State of Emergency
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Emergency Georgia
- WRDW: Latest Updates on Winter Weather Across CSRA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
