News Summary
Augusta, GA is getting ready for severe weather, including thunderstorms and a winter storm. A winter weather advisory warns of potential mixed precipitation, with icy conditions expected. Governor Brian Kemp has declared a statewide emergency, and preparations are underway to ensure the safety of residents. Travel is discouraged during the storm, and local shelters will be available for those in need. The storm is not just affecting Augusta, but the southeastern United States is also bracing for severe thunderstorms.
Augusta, GA is bracing for severe weather as meteorologists predict thunderstorms and a winter storm to impact the area in the coming days. Rain is expected to begin in the morning, with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. The forecast indicates a high temperature of 68°F, accompanied by gusty winds and small hail in some areas. The national weather service has declared a 100% chance of rain in the morning, dropping to 60% chance for tonight.
Local meteorologists have issued a winter weather advisory for Augusta, highlighting a potential for mixed precipitation, including snow and sleet accumulations of up to 0.5 inches, and ice accumulations around 0.2 inches. This advisory is effective from 10 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday, warning residents of potentially slippery road conditions.
In light of the weather forecast, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a statewide state of emergency in preparation for the coming winter storm. State agencies are mobilizing resources, including activating the State Operations Center to coordinate the response efforts. Augusta’s Department of Transportation is proactively pre-treating roads and preparing snow removal equipment ahead of the storm.
Residents are advised to limit travel during the storm and to prepare their homes for winter weather hazards. In addition, local shelters will be available for those in need, with no ID checks required for access. Augusta Transit will also provide free transportation to daytime shelters during the storm for individuals seeking refuge.
Thunderstorm activity is not limited to Augusta; meteorologists are tracking heavy to severe thunderstorms across the southeastern United States through Friday evening. Preliminary reports of damaging winds and hail have already been received in various regions, including reports of hailstones ranging from the size of marbles to golf balls. Notably, egg-sized hail has been reported near Emerson, GA, and Albertville, AL. This year has seen tornado activity nearly double the average, adding to concerns about the potential impact of the anticipated thunderstorms.
Although a lack of high humidity is expected to inhibit further significant tornado outbreaks, strong winds and hail remain a possibility with the incoming thunderstorms. After midnight, it is predicted that the thunderstorms will transition to cloudy skies.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the successful location of 25-year-old Saafir Burke, who had been reported missing earlier this week. Burke was last seen on foot in the 2400 block of Bahama Drive around 10 p.m. Thursday, wearing a navy-blue hoodie and unknown-colored sweatpants. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the sheriff’s office at 706-821-1080.
As the Augusta community prepares for the severe weather, residents are urged to stay informed, remain cautious, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this tumultuous weather period.
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Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: Augusta Weather Forecast
- Augusta Chronicle: State of Emergency Declared
- WRDW: Severe Threat & Flood Risk Update
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Weather.com: Hephzibah, GA Weather Today
