Tropical Storm Idalia live updates from Augusta: No roads in the area are closed
Below is the latest information on Idalia in Augusta and east Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle staff will update regularly.
No road closures in Augusta area due to storm | 11:15 a.m.
No roads are closed in the Augusta area due to an accident or other storm-related issues, according to online maps managed by Georgia Department of Transportation and South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Augusta area schools announce Thursday operations | 9 p.m.
Augusta area schools announced openings and closures for Thursday.
The Richmond County School System Wednesday night said after visiting several schools after the storm, schools will be open for a full day of in-person instruction Thursday.
Facilities and maintenance crews will be working through the night to monitor and address areas of standing water in preparation for students' return on Thursday, according to a news release from the school system. All after-school activities will take place as previously scheduled.
The Columbia County School District website states that until further notice there are no changes or delays in the school schedule.
The Burke County Public School System and Aiken County Public School District reported Wednesday afternoon that students and staff will not return to classrooms in the morning, according to previous reporting.
"With extensive rainfall expected later this afternoon and overnight, as well as high winds forecasted for our area, many roads, especially those in more rural areas, may be impassable early tomorrow morning due to localized flooding and downed trees," according to the Aiken County School District.
Idalia downgraded to tropical storm, flood advisory in effect | 6:17 p.m.
What started this morning as a Category 4 hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm by the afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. update.
Idalia is currently moving northeast at about 21 mph and this general motion is expected to continue throughout the night with maximum sustained winds of about 70 mph.. The center of the storm will move near or along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina through Wednesday night, and then just off the North Carolina coast Thursday.
Despite the let up, Idalia's excessive rain has led to the National Weather Service issuing a flood advisory for the Augusta area until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain has already fallen and more is on the way, leading to some flooding.
Fort Gordon issues early release, delayed start time | 5:50 p.m.
On Wednesday, Fort Gordon implemented max telework and/or liberal leave for all non-essential workforce. There will also be a delayed start time of 10 a.m. Thursday. The installation's service members and employees should contact their supervisors if they need further guidance.
Waffle House Index: Georgia diners remain open | 5:15 p.m.
Waffle Houses are known for their endurance: Staying open 24/7 rain or shine with very little standing in their way of making and serving hash browns. So, when something forces one or more Waffle Houses to close, it's a serious red flag for residents. This measurement of a disaster's severity is called the "Waffle House Index."
The chain's vice president of food safety and public relations Njeri Boss said Wednesday afternoon that they were not closing any Georgia locations, but they are sending some generators to diners in south Georgia. Some Waffle Houses in Florida have had to close.
Multiple Augusta-area schools staying closed through Thursday | 4:10 p.m.
School systems across Georgia were forced to close due to the hurricane, and some Augusta-area schools are staying closed through Thursday.
Burke County Public School System and Aiken County Public Schools reported Wednesday afternoon that students and staff will not return to classrooms in the morning. Burke County closed its doors after school Tuesday while Aiken County released its students early Wednesday.
Richmond County School System released students early Wednesday. Columbia County School District did not change its hours. No information has been released on whether or not students from these districts will be staying home Thursday.
Augusta offers sandbags, rides to shelters
Augusta officials announced on Wednesday a number of last-minute safety initiatives ahead of Hurricane Idalia's arrival.
The category 1 storm's predicted path shifted through the day, moving the eye wall closer to Augusta than initially projected.
Officials noted via social media that it is providing free sandbags while supplies last. Residents are limited to five bags. The sandbags are available at 2316 Tobacco Rd.
The city also announced Wednesday that Augusta Public Transportation is providing free rides to local shelters. The Augusta Emergency Management Agency would not specify where those shelter are located, but confirmed they are not city-designated shelters.
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, no roads were closed by the city's engineering department due to flooding. However, the city received rain throughout the week, raising concerns about saturated ground.
During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change, according to the National Weather Service.
Hurricane Idalia live updates from Savannah, coastal Georgia: Tornado warning issued for Statesboro
More: Traffic disruptions on I-75 in south Georgia due to Hurricane Idalia. Here's what to know
Hotels say those fleeing Hurricane Idalia are not traveling to Augusta
While Augusta typically serves as a safe haven for people on the coast fleeing severe weather, Hurricane Idalia’s projected path has left those searching for a safe place to stay looking elsewhere.
Augusta area hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta, said they have not seen a lot of out-of-town guests.
“Normally, when we have a hurricane or dangerous storms around the coast, we get people that are evacuating,” said Greg Greenawalt, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. “There might have been a few people here or there, but we're not getting a substantial influx of out-of-town guests.”
Greenawalt noted the hotel had a conference due to start Wednesday morning, which was canceled because many of the participants could not get to Augusta.
Flood watch remains in effect for Augusta | 3:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service issued an update at 3:09 p.m. stating flash flooding is possible in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties through Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall amounts will continue overnight, according to the NWS. Rainfall totals will range from 1 to 2 inches, with the heaviest rainfall ranging from 3 to 6 inches. Isolated areas may receive 7 to 8 inches.
Hurricane Idalia projected path
NWS flash flood tips for Augusta area
Stay informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio and check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
Get to higher ground: Those living in a flood-prone area should seek higher ground.
Obey evacuation orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock homes when exiting and disconnect utilities and appliances.
Practice electrical safety: Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
Avoid flood waters: Do not walk through flood waters. If trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade, as water may be deeper than it appears.
Augusta EMA said it will continuing pushing updates through its social media pages.
Hurricane Idalia updates: Storm weakens to Category 1, but still tearing through Georgia
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Tropical Storm Idalia live updates for Augusta, Ga.
