Open gas stations, businesses in Augusta

More than 220,000 Augustans are without power after Hurricane Helene barreled through the area Friday morning.

The Category 4 storm made landfall Thursday night along Florida’s Big Bend coast. Helene brought tropical storm-force wind to the Augusta area (30-40 mph winds with 65 mph gusts).

While the National Weather Service noted there was potential for wind from 58 to 73 mph, a hurricane-force wind gust of 82 mph was observed Friday morning at Augusta Regional Airport.

First responders reported numerous trees falling on houses, cars and roads – prior to car wrecks in the aftermath of the storm.

The following shelters are open, according to the City of Augusta:

Salvation Army Center of Hope: Capacity for 130 people, with five family rooms. Contact Olga Gonzales at 706-504-6792.
Garden City Rescue Mission: Room for 60 men. Contact Patrick Feistel at 706-724-6960.
Augusta Rescue Mission: Accommodates single men. Contact Chris Jones at 706-564-1834.

To share photos or videos of storm damage, email The Chronicle at [email protected].

Below is the latest information on Hurricane Helene in Augusta and east Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle staff will update regularly.

The City of Augusta announced at 6:15 p.m. Saturday that due to an increase in call volume, 311 phone lines are at capacity.

The lines will be open until 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m., according to the city.

“Please try calling back later, utilize the Augusta 311 mobile app, or visit augustaga.gov/311 for non-emergency requests,” according to officials. “Thank you for your patience.”

-Alexandra Koch

Richmond Columbia and Aiken counties are facing power outages knocking out businesses’ ability to stay open.

Here’s a list of businesses Augusta Chronicle reporters on the ground verified were operational, as of Saturday afternoon.

Gas

BP on Wheeler Road in Augusta
Mobil on Wheeler Road in Augusta
Costco off River Watch Parkway in Augusta
Gas Plus on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta
Parker’s Kitchen on Jefferson Davis Highway in North Augusta

Stores

Target on Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway in Augusta
Target on Washington Road in Evans
BrandsMart USA on Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway in Augusta
Lowes on Washington Road in Evans
Lowes on Knox Avenue in North Augusta
Kroger on Washington Road in Augusta
Kroger on Columbia Road in Martinez
Publix on Washington Road in Augusta
Publix on Washington Road in Evans
Smokeshow Southern BBQ Food Truck off Washington Road in Evans
El Paso Tacos & Tequila on Broad Street in Augusta
Midtown Tavern on Central Avenue in Augusta
Waffle House on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta
Chipotle on E Martintown Road in North Augusta

-Alexandra Koch

3:30 p.m. Saturday – Richmond County leads list of most affected by Jefferson Energy outages

Jefferson Energy reported Saturday afternoon that more than 34,000 of its customers across 11 counties in Georgia remain without power following Hurricane Helene, according to Dataminr.

The Augusta area was among the hardest hit by Helene as CSRA residents continue to struggle with power and internet access as well as gas shortages. Here’s a list of counties and the number of customers without power as reported by Dataminr:

Richmond County, GA: 15,874
Mcduffie County, GA: 5,245
Jefferson County, GA: 4,648
Columbia County, GA: 3,719
Burke County, GA: 1,609
Glascock County, GA: 1,049
Warren County, GA: 1,014
Emanuel County, GA: 711
Johnson County, GA: 239
Washington County, GA: 112

2:10 p.m. Saturday – Aiken County leads list of most affected by Dominion Energy outages

Dominion Energy reported Saturday afternoon that more than 186,500 of its customers across 59 counties in three states remain without power following Hurricane Helene, according to Dataminr.

South Carolina was the hardest hit among its customers with Aiken County residents bearing most of the brunt. Here’s a list of counties and the number of customers without power as reported by Dataminr:

Aiken County, SC: 49,375
Richland County, SC: 39,006
Lexington County, SC: 29,293
Beaufort County, SC: 18,250
Edgefield County, SC: 6,535
Saluda County, SC: 6,001
Jasper County, SC: 4,769
Hampton County, SC: 4,551
Colleton County, SC: 3,582
Allendale County, SC: 3,487

1:45 p.m. Saturday – Chipotle open in North Augusta

On Saturday afternoon, Chipotle in North Augusta opened its doors to customers.

The store offered it’s normal menu along with cold fountain drinks.

A few dozen people were quick to grab a meal at one of the few operating restaurants in the North Augusta area at this time.

Augusta area residents have had a hard time finding gas, as many stations have nonoperational pumps due to power loss from Tropical Storm Helene.

Cars are lined up by the hundreds, stretching miles, waiting to get a spot at a pump, according to reporters with The Chronicle.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies were directing traffic at the intersection of River Watch Parkway and Alexander Drive, as of noon Saturday, to allow residents to fill up at the Costco on Cabela Drive in Augusta.

Lines at Costco and the Kroger in Grovetown Saturday morning contained hundreds of cars, reporters noted.

-Alexandra Koch

More than 220,000 people remain without power 24 hours after Tropical Storm Helene’s arrival in the Augusta area.

Here are the reported outages as of 9:15 a.m. Saturday:

Augusta outages: 170,235 Georgia Power customers without power in the Augusta area.
Aiken County outages: 50,441 Dominion Energy customers without power in Aiken County.

As of Friday night, 225,000 Georgia Power and Dominion Energy customers in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken counties were without power.

It is unclear when power will be restored, but a news release from the Columbia County School District anticipates power will not return until Wednesday, at the earliest, and could remain off for more than a week.

-Alexandra Koch

The Columbia County School District announced Friday night it has been “notified” that power may not be restored to all of its facilities for “at least a week,” according to a news release.

Schools and facilities will be closed until “at least” through Wednesday, according to the release. The district noted it will continue to receive updates and assess the situation.

“In the meantime, we ask that our staff, students, parents, and community members stay off school campuses to allow our crews time to assess and address any damages,” according to the release. “As we all work to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, we believe our families must come first. The days ahead will be difficult, and we should focus on our families, our community, and our well-being. Stay safe and take care.”

-Alexandra Koch

Columbia County Administration is implementing a curfew for all Columbia County residents beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and lasting until 8 a.m. Saturday.

The decision “comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our community during ongoing efforts to remove debris, downed trees, and downed powerlines with community partners from the major thoroughfares throughout the county,” according to a news release from the county.

During the curfew period, all residents are required to remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary, according to the county. The temporary restriction aims to minimize risks associated with hazardous conditions and allows emergency responders to effectively manage and respond to any emergent situations.

“We understand that curfews can be inconvenient, but the safety of our residents is our top priority,” said county manager Scott Johnson. “We urge everyone to comply with this curfew to help us protect our community and first responders and ensure a swift response to any emergencies that may arise.”

Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt instituted a curfew for the county under an emergency declaration signed on Thursday night by Aiken County Chairman Gary Bunker, according to a news release.

The curfew will begin Friday at 7:30 p.m. and run until 7:30 a.m., according to the release. Essential workers for local businesses/services and responders will be exempt.

“This act is being use as a deterrence for anyone who would want to take advantage of our citizens who have been greatly impacted by the storm,” Hunt said. “We have a substantial interest in the safety and security of our communities. We encourage everyone to avoid areas that have been impacted by the storm and if possible stay off the roadways so essential services and responders can continue helping those in the greatest needs.”

Violators and looters will be arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.

While Richmond County Sheriff Richard Rountree told Augustans during a press conference Friday afternoon that there would not be a curfew, Augusta Mayor Garnett L. Johnson issued a curfew just before 10 p.m.

Starting Saturday, a curfew will be in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice, according to Augusta Fire and EMA.

-Alexandra Koch

Power outages continue to affect the Augusta and Aiken areas, with the number of customers without power increasing overall.

Georgia Power reported nearly 170,000 Augusta area customers were without power, as of 5:45 p.m. Friday, according to its outage map. At 1 p.m., The Chronicle reported more than 155,000 were without power.

Dominion Energy reported nearly 55,000 Aiken County residents were without power, as of 5:45 p.m. Friday, according to its outage map. The Chronicle reported at 1 p.m., more than 66,000 were without power.

– Alexandra Koch

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office recently announced that officials responded to five different homes Friday for deaths caused by a tree falling through the house.

Each person was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the coroner’s office. Identities will be released Saturday.

According to the coroner’s office, the locations were:

5000 block of Old Waynesboro Road
2100 block of Lake Avenue
2200 block of Morningside Drive
4500 block of Windsor Spring
3300 block of Wedgewood Drive

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office also announced Friday afternoon it is investigating four deaths related to Tropical Storm Helene.

According to the coroner’s office, the deaths included:

A 70-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at 8:50 a.m. Friday after a tree crashed through the roof of his home on Metts Park Circle in Aiken.
Michael Roukous, 29, of Dexter, New York, was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Friday after a tree crashed through the roof of a Bread and Breakfast home he was renting on the 100 block of Casnettie Road in Beech Island.
Jerry Savage 78, and his wife, Marcia Savage, 74, were pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. Friday after a tree crashed through the roof of their home, located 300 block of Church Road in Beech Island, and landed on top of them.

All four of the victims will be autopsied in Newberry, South Carolina on Wednesday, according to the coroner’s office.

-Alexandra Koch

Tropical Storm Helene left the Augusta area early Friday afternoon with sunny, blue skies, but also in it’s wake are thousands of people without power.

Georgia Power reported more than 155,000 Augusta area customers were without power, as of 1 p.m. Friday, according to its outage map.Dominion Energy reported more than 66,000 Aiken County residents were without power, as of 1 p.m. Friday, according to its outage map.

– Alexandra Koch

Augusta drivers are not heeding officials’ warnings to stay off roads, which are riddled with downed trees and powerlines, resulting in major crashes and traffic inhibiting first responders.

Columbia, Richmond and Aiken County officials released statements Friday morning pleading with the public to stay home, as almost none of the traffic signals are operational.

However, it appears very few are taking the warning into consideration – adding to the already severe conditions by Tropical Storm Helene.

Here are some of the roads reporters with The Chronicle noticed being of concern, as of noon Friday:

Richmond County: Washington Road, Berckmans Road, Furys Ferry Road, Jackson Road
Columbia County: River Watch Parkway, Evans to Locks Road, Washington Road, N Belair Road, Horizon South Parkway, William Few Parkway, Hereford Farm Road
Aiken County: W Martintown Road, Edgefield Road, E Pine Log Road, Whiskey Road

Most gas stations and stores are closed, reporters with The Chronicle noted.

-Alexandra Koch

8:10 a.m. Friday – Columbia County responds to downed trees, other damage

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 Tropical Storm Helene.“Our priority is to clear the main roadways to facilitate the movement of emergency response vehicles to areas in need,” according to a news release from the county.Crews will begin operations on Columbia Road, working east toward William Few Parkway, and along Appling-Harlem Road, according to the release.The county noted it is also conducting reconnaissance on Washington Road to assess damage and prioritize clearing efforts.“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we focus on restoring access to critical routes,” according to the release. “Following the initial clearing, our response will be guided by the level of emergency reported in various areas.”Officials said it is still important residents stay home and off the roads.-Alexandra Koch

7:25 a.m. Friday – More than 200,000 Augusta area residents without power

Georgia Power reported nearly 149,000 customers were without power in Columbia and Richmond counties, as of 7:20 a.m. Friday, according to its outage map.Dominion Energy reported nearly 57,000 Aiken County residents were without power, as of 7:20 a.m. Friday, according to its outage map.

– Alexandra Koch

7:15 a.m. Friday – North Augusta Public Safety 911 lines down

The North Augusta Department of Public Safety posted to social media just before 7 a.m. Friday to notify residents 911 lines are down.

“Unfortunately, due to th[e] weather we are receiving right now from Hurricane Helene, our 911 lines are down. You can still reach us at 803-279-2121 or 803-279-2122,” according to the post.

The City of Aiken encouraged residents to stay off the road in a statement posted on social media Friday morning.

“Due to the continuing weather from hurricane Helene we are encouraging everyone to stay off the roadways,” according to the statement. “There are trees, power lines, flooded roads, and other debris in the roadway that are causing hazards all over the city. We are aware of power outages in multiple locations. Please stay safe and off the roadways!”

– Alexandra Koch

7:05 a.m. Friday – Flash flood warning continues for Martinez, Evans, Grovetown

A flash flood warning for Martinez, Evans and Grovetown is in effect until 8 a.m. Friday.-Alexandra Koch

Augusta Fire Department and EMA officials released a statement just after 6:15 a.m. Friday urging residents to stay off the roads.

“Roads are unsafe due to crashes, downed trees, and power lines,” according to the statement. “Please stay home and only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.”

– Alexandra Koch

6 a.m. Friday – Columbia County updated road closures

Columbia County officials released a list of road closures, noting everyone needs to stay home and off the roadways.

“We are working hard to respond to calls that come in and will have multiple road closures when it is safe to respond to the areas that we have received reports of downed trees and downed power lines,” according to officials. “For now, it is imperative that residents stay home.”

Columbia County road closures as of 5:30 a.m. Friday include:

Owens Road
Louisville Road
Wrightsboro Road
Appling Harlem Road at Browns Road
The Pass at Saddletree Lane
Saddletree Lane at Butterfield Court
Reynolds Farm Road
Mill Branch Road

– Alexandra Koch

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Martinez, Evans and Grovetown, valid through 8 a.m. Friday.

– Alexandra Koch

At 5:37 a.m. Friday, a hurricane-force wind gust of 82 mph was observed at Augusta Regional Airport, according to the National Weather Service.

“We are no longer receiving observations from this location,” according to the weather service.

– Alexandra Koch

As of 5:25 a.m. Friday, Georgia Power reported 102,783 Augusta customers without power, according to its outage map.

Dominion energy reported more than 35,000 Aiken County customers without power, according to its outage map.

– Alexandra Koch

Columbia County reported the following road closures, as of 4:45 a.m. Friday:

Owens Road
Appling Harlem Road at Browns Road
The Pass at Saddletree Lane
Saddletree Lane at Butterfield Court
Reynolds Farm Road
Mill Branch Road

“Stay home and stay safe,” according to a news release from the county issued Friday morning. “Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, and keep an eye on local updates.”

To report a power outage, contact your power company: Georgia Power (888) 891-0938 or Jefferson Electric (877) 533-3377.

“Do not dial 911 for power outages,” according to county officials. “Please reserve 911 calls for emergencies.”

– Alexandra Koch

The National Weather Service predicts rainfall rates will increase through Thursday evening, with the heaviest rain bands expected to move into the Augusta area late Thursday into early Friday morning.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for Martinez, Evans and North Augusta through 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Tropical storm force winds (39 mph) are expected in the Augusta area Thursday night into early Friday morning with gusts up to hurricane-force-strength (74 mph) possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornadoes will also be possible with highest confidence along and south of I-20 through Friday morning, according to the NWS.

A tornado watch remains in effect for Columbia, Richmond and Burke counties through 9 p.m. Thursday.

– Alexandra Koch

Hundreds of Augusta residents are without power as Hurricane Helene approaches the area.

As of 3:30 p.m., Georgia Power reported more than 350 customers without power, mainly near Stevens Creek Road, according to an outage map.

Less than 200 Dominion Energy customers are without power in Beech Island, according to an outage map.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, those who lose power should:

Check CO and smoke alarms. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level and inside each bedroom.
Look for signs that appliances have gotten wet. To reduce the risk of shock or electrocution, do not touch wet appliances that are still plugged into an electrical source.
Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. Do not cook on a charcoal grill in a garage, even with the garage door open.
Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights or battery-operated candles instead. If using candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening doors or windows does not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO.

– Alexandra Koch

Augusta area residents can pick up city-supplied sandbags to mitigate flood damage Thursday afternoon at 2316 Tobacco Rd.

Sandbags will be available until 5 p.m. and there is a five-bag limit per request, according to Augusta Engineering.

– Alexandra Koch

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 2:30 p.m., effective until 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Just before 2:30 p.m., doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the Augusta area, according to the weather service.

Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen; additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible, according to the NWS. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Locations that will experience flash flooding, according to the NWS, include:

Columbia County: Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, Harlem and Waynesboro.
Richmond County: Fort Eisenhower, Augusta, south Augusta, Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, Village Plaza Shopping Center, Glendale, Augusta Regional Airport, Midtown and Augusta National Golf Club.
Aiken County: North Augusta and Belvedere.
Highways: Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 17 and 18, Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 3, Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 178 and 201, and Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 13.

– Alexandra Koch

There’s still time to buy milk and bread. Websites and company spokespeople from several grocery chains are saying that their stores in and around Augusta are staying open for regular business hours.

That includes:

the five Publix supermarkets in Augusta, North Augusta, Martinez and Evans, and in Aiken, S.C.;
the six Food Lion supermarkets in Augusta and Grovetown;
the six Kroger supermarkets in Augusta, North Augusta, Grovetown, Martinez and Evans, and in Aiken, S.C.;
the Fresh Market in Augusta, with the chain’s 11 other Georgia locations.
the Harvey’s supermarket in Augusta, with the chain’s 12 other Georgia locations;
all Walmart stores and clubs; as of Thursday afternoon, the closest closed Walmart was in Albany.

– Joe Hotchkiss

Columbia County schools announced all schools and facilities in the Columbia County School District will be closed Friday, due to anticipated inclement weather and “other possible negative impacts from Hurricane Helene,” according to a news release from the school district.

“Even though school athletics and activities are canceled, high school football games will remain as currently scheduled unless other notification is provided by the school,” according to the release.

– Alexandra Koch

10:30 a.m. Thursday – Augusta sees first few power outages

As Hurricane Helene approaches, Augustans may see power outages in their area.

Georgia Power reported about 10 outages affecting almost 230 customers, as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The biggest outage is currently in Vidette, west of Waynesboro, and has impacted 188 customers, according to Georgia Power’s outage map.

As of 10:30 a.m., there were no outages in Aiken or Edgefield counties reported on Dominion Energy’s outage map.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it closed Windmill Street Thursday morning due to flooding.

Augusta Chronicle reporters at the scene noted there was substantial flooding near the intersection of Windmill Lane and William Few Parkway.

– Alexandra Koch

A Tornado Watch was issued for Columbia, Richmond, Burke and Lincoln counties and will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday.

The watch specifically notes Evans as being an area of concern.

Several tornadoes are likely, with isolated gusts up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

– Alexandra Koch

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory in effect until 10:15 a.m. Thursday for Richmond, Columbia, Burke, Lincoln, McDuffie and Aiken counties.

At 8:12 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms, according to the weather service. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen, but additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected, according to the NWS. The additional rain will result in minor flooding.

Locations that will experience flooding include:

Columbia County: Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Appling, Harlem, and J. Strom Thurmond Dam.
Richmond County: Augusta, Hephzibah, Riverwood, south Augusta, Village Plaza Shopping Center, Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, Augusta National Golf Club, and Fort Eisenhower.
Aiken County: North Augusta and Belvedere.
McCormick County: Clarks Hill Recreation Area.
Highways: Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 3, Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 176 and 201, and Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 12.

– Alexandra Koch

A Tornado Warning was issued for Evans, Edgefield and Clarks Hill just before 8 a.m. Thursday.

A tornado was radar-indicated, according to the National Weather Service. The warning is valid through 8:30 a.m.

– Alexandra Koch

Public and private schools and universities in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken counties announced closures and cancellations in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s arrival in the area late Thursday.

Richmond County

Richmond County School System: All Richmond County schools and offices will be open and follow a regular schedule Thursday. All after-school activities will be suspended after 6 p.m. Thursday.
Augusta Prep: School will continue as normal Thursday, with some adjustments to athletics. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Homecoming football game is still on for Friday night; kickoff will be at 7 p.m. To view a full list of Augusta Prep athletics cancellations, click here.
Augusta University: No closures or cancellations have been announced, as of 8 a.m. Thursday.
Augusta Technical University: No closures or cancellations, as of 8 a.m. Thursday.

Columbia County

Columbia County School District: No closures or cancellations, as of 8 a.m. Thursday.
SAIL Charter School: School closed Thursday and Friday; students will have two days of online learning.

Aiken County

Aiken Public School District: All after school activities are canceled Thursday, including athletics, arts, meetings planned for after school, and Quest Zone. On Friday, students will be e-learning, with teachers and staff working remotely.
USCA is monitoring potential impact of severe weather from Hurricane Helene, but there is currently no impact on normal campus operations, as of 8 a.m. Thursday.

To report public or private school closures or cancellations to our staff, please email [email protected].

– Alexandra Koch

Rainfall amounts across central South Carolina and east central Georgia are expected to range from 3 to 5 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Rainfall rates will increase through Thursday, with the heaviest rain bands expected Thursday night into early Friday morning, according to the weather service.

Flash flooding will be possible due to the heavy rainfall and Tropical Storm-force winds are possible Thursday night into early Friday morning, according to the NWS.

The weather service noted tornadoes will also be possible, with highest confidence along and south of I-20 Thursday evening through Friday morning.

– Alexandra Koch

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