Hurricane Ian: Bryan, Effingham counties brace for storm impact, potential tornadoes

Latrice Williams, Savannah Morning News
·3 min read

As Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday and heads up the coast towards Georgia and South Carolina, both coastal Bryan and parts of Effingham County could see the effects of the storm as it moves through the area.

A tropical storm warning was issued for Effingham County Wednesday while Bryan County is under a hurricane watch, and each municipality is putting the finishing touches on storm preparation. Both counties are at risk for tornadoes.

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Here is what you need to know:

Bryan County

Bryan County officials declared a state of emergency ahead of Friday morning's storm, which allows the county to request financial assistance for recovery efforts. Bryan County schools are closed Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bryan County schools announced they would be closed on Thursday and Friday.

A tornado in April ripped apart trees in Bryan County. Local officials are encouraging residents to update their hurricane preparedness plan as the county is at risk of seeing another tornado come through.
A tornado in April ripped apart trees in Bryan County. Local officials are encouraging residents to update their hurricane preparedness plan as the county is at risk of seeing another tornado come through.

Pembroke and Ellabell are just six months removed from a tornado in April that left one person dead and ripped apart homes and trees. Summer Patterson, division chief for Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services, said the county always anticipates vegetative debris and said residents should follow their emergency plans.

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“Our county website has a hurricane preparedness list which encompasses most every aspect of hurricane preparedness such as organizing your important documents to what to stock up on prior to impact from a hurricane,” said Patterson.

City offices in Richmond Hill will be closed Sept. 29-30 and will reopen Oct. 3.

Effingham County

Effingham County schools will be closed Thursday and Friday.

In Guyton, Mayor Russ Deen said the city is prepped and ready to respond to residents in need. All equipment has been fueled and the city is prepared to handle power interruptions and downed trees. Guyton City Hall will be closed Friday.

“Our lift stations and wells have generator back up and will continue to work in the event of power outages,” said Deen. “All major drainage outfalls have been checked. If your home or business has its own lift station for your sewer waste that is not powered by a generator, please avoid using water during an extended power outage. Be safe and be smart. Remember elderly relatives and pets and make sure they are in a safe structure for the storm as high winds and tornados are possible. When the storm has passed, please be careful going outdoors as trees and down power lines are extremely dangerous.”

Here's what you need to know: Tropical storm and hurricane guide for Savannah and Chatham County

Recreational activities within the county have been postponed starting Sept. 29-Oct. 2 and will resume Oct. 3.

Hurricane Ian forecast, Thursday, Sept. 29 at 8 a.m.
Hurricane Ian forecast, Thursday, Sept. 29 at 8 a.m.

“Local officials and community area partners have been meeting each day to review the forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service-Charleston office and National Hurricane Center,” said Hannah Jenkins, captain of Effingham County Fire and Rescue.

Residents can check their Facebook page @EffinghamGA.EMA for updates and should contact their provider in case of a utility outage.

Springfield City Manager Matthew Morris said the movie theater will shut down Friday afternoon but city hall will remain open for normal business hours unless the storm strengthens.

Hurricane Ian: What type of impact can we expect?

“As with all major weather occurrences, we have EOM under contract to make sure our water and sewer systems will function normally,” said Morris. “Additionally we have our road crew on standby to help with clean up once the storm passes. We will begin posting notices to the public via our website and social media as to closures and additional information.”

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Hurricane Ian Georgia Impact: Bryan, Effingham counties prepare