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Weather Updates: Idalia’s Impact On Augusta Area

By Cody
Augusta City Offices Closing Early Today

The tropical storm has moved through our area and dry weather is expected the rest of the day and through the Labor Day weekend.  The tropical storm warning has been cancelled.

  • Current Delays and Closings

    Government:

    • Fort Gordon:  Delayed start time of 10 am Thursday
    • Augusta officials say all city offices will close at noon today.
    • Aiken City closes at 3 p.m. today (Aug. 30) and re-opens 10 a.m. tomorrow (Aug. 31).
    • Fort Gordon is implementing max telework and/or liberal leave for all non-essential workforce starting at noon today (Aug. 30).  They are also have a delayed start time of 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 31). For addition information, servicemembers and employees are asked to reach out to their supervisors.

    Schools:

    • University of South Carolina Aiken:  Classes have been suspended today and will resume at 10:30 am Thursday
    • McCormick County:  Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday.
    • Fox Creek Academy:  Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday.
    •  Edgefield County: Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday.
    • Aiken County:  Students will not report to school on Thursday.  A statement from Aiken County school officials says due to extensive rainfall that’s expected through tonight, as well as high winds, many roads may be impassable early Thursday morning due to localized flooding and downed trees.  In an abundance of caution for the safety of students, they will not report to school Thursday, August 31.  All ACPSD employees on 190-day contracts or more, including teachers, administrators, school office staff, district employees, maintenance, etc. will report to work on a delayed start, with schools and buildings opening at 10 am.  Tomorrow’s day off for students will be made up on Friday, October 20, as designated by the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
    • Aiken County:  They will close two hours early today, then operate on a two-hour delay Thursday morning.  Breakfast and lunch will be served before dismissal today.  Breakfast will not be served on Thursday morning.
    • Columbia County:  At this time, no changes or delays today.  School officials are monitoring the weather.  Parents will be notified directly if and when any weather-related closures are announced.
    • Richmond County:  They will be doing early release today as follows:
      • Regular Dismissal Time Early Release Time
        2:10 p.m. schools 12:00 p.m.
        3:05 p.m. schools 12:45 p.m.
        3:20 p.m. schools 12:55 p.m.
        4:05 p.m. schools 1:30 p.m.
        5:00 p.m. schools 2:45 p.m.
    • Burke County:  Cancelled for students and staff today
    • McDuffie County:  Classes will be held as usual.  All after-school activities have been cancelled this afternoon.
    • Warren County:  Closed today for students and staff.
    • Washington County:  At-home learning today.  In-person school related activities cancelled today.
    • Burke County:  Closed today for students and staff.
    • Sail Charter School:  Early release starting at 11:30 am

    Check out the latest on school schedule changes HERE.

    Other:

    • The Augusta GreenJackets (Atlanta Braves) have postponed their Wednesday, August 30th game against the Salem Red Sox (Boston Red Sox) due to inclement weather.
      The game will be made up as a single-admission, seven-inning doubleheader scheduled for Thursday, August 31st, with first pitch in game one scheduled for 5:05 and gates opening at 4:30. Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.

  • Resources

    The City of Augusta is helping residents weather the storm with the following resources:

    Free sandbags: Free sandbags are available today, August 30, 2023, to Richmond County residents while supplies last. The distribution site is 2316 Tobacco Road, and residents can get up
    to 5 bags.

    Transportation to local shelters: Augusta Transit is providing free rides to local shelters, and residents can call 706-821-1721 to schedule a ride.

    Weather alerts: Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on the potential threat of severe weather by signing up for the Augusta Emergency Management Agency’s severe weather and
    hazardous conditions alerting system. Details HERE.

  • 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 30 - Update From NHC

    Dangerous storm surge is happening along the Gulf Coast. There are also damaging winds moving inland.

    The National Hurricane Center is predicting areas of flash, urban, and moderate river flooding from north Florida, through central Georgia, South Carolina, and eastern North Carolina through tomorrow.

  • Impacts in the CSRA

    Preparing for storm impact – get details.

    Georgia Governor issues State of Emergency.  More on that story here.

    South Carolina Governor declares State of Emergency.  That story here.

    *Rain will increase in intensity throughout the day.  Expectation of 3 to 7 inches of rain in many areas, could be more in some areas.  We are under a flash flood watch.  Possibilty of isolated tornadoes, also high wind risks.*

  • Hazards With Idalia

    A flood watch is in effect for the CSRA and Midlands from 2 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon. We are also under a tropical storm warning.

    As of 8 a.m. this morning, the storm is expected to weaken to a Category 1 Hurricane or a strong tropical storm as it nears South Carolina.

    Wind: Strong winds could cause some issues including power outages.  This will affect the CSRA and the Midlands mostly Wednesday evening and night.

    Flooding: There could be 4-8 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts. The heaviest amounts are expected in the lower counties in the CSRA and the Midlands this afternoon through Thursday morning.

    Tornadoes: A chance of tornadoes is possible.  The lower CSRA and eastern Midlands are the mostly likely to be at risk mostly this evening into tonight.

  • 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 30 - Update From NWS Columbia

    As we prepare for Idalia to move through the area this afternoon, the NWS in Columbia posted these reminders.  There will be tornado threats, high winds, and flood potential. Make sure you stay alert when it comes to the impending weather!

  • 6 a.m. Wednesday, August 30 - Update From NHS Atlantic

    Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Idalia this morning. The storm is expected to cause surge and destructive winds this morning in the Florida Big Bend.  Tallahassee’s NWS is urging people in the area to take immediate shelter along the coast of Taylor and Dixie County.

  • 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 29 - Update From NWS Columbia

    The update from the National Weather Service as of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.  Stay tuned for more updates.

  • After The Storm

    The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center remind us that even when the storm has passed, there are still risks.

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