Helene live updates from Augusta: Mayor says 'things are getting better' 8 days later (2024)

More than a week after Hurricane Helene devastated the Augusta area on Sept. 27, relief efforts are underway for thousands still without power.

The Category 4 storm made landfall Sept. 26 along Florida's Big Bend coast. The Augusta area saw isolated tornadoes and hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 80 mph, downing trees and powerlines.

As of Friday night, Richmond County officials reported eight Helene-related deaths, Aiken County officials reported 10 and Columbia County officials confirmed one.

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

9 a.m. Saturday − Latest update from Augusta area electric utilities

Here's the latest update from some Augusta area electric utilities on power outages as recovery efforts continue more than a week after Georgia was ravaged by Hurricane Helene. The numbers are broken down by the outages in each county as of 8 a.m. Saturday.

Georgia Power

• Richmond County, GA: 27,167
• Columbia County, GA: 17,156
• Jefferson County, GA: 3,618
• Toombs County, GA: 3,102
• Lowndes County, GA: 1,886
• Emanuel County, GA: 1,814
• Coffee County, GA: 1,594
• Montgomery County, GA: 1,269
• Ware County, GA: 1,221
• Burke County, GA: 1,216

Planters Electric

• Burke County, GA: 3,833
• Screven County, GA: 1,145
• Richmond County, GA: 279
• Jenkins County, GA: 107
• Effingham County, GA: 4

Dominion Energy

• Aiken County, SC: 16,285
• Edgefield County, SC: 2,625
• Saluda County, SC: 1,968
• McCormick County, SC: 752
• Newberry County, SC: 418
• Lexington County, SC: 284
• Richland County, SC: 179
• Abbeville County, SC: 159
• Henrico County, VA: 46
• Chesterfield County, VA: 19

7 a.m. Saturday – Augusta mayor says 'things are getting better'

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said during a press conference Friday that "things are getting better," following Hurricane Helene’s destruction in the area eight days ago.

Georgia Power has reached 72% restoration in the Augusta area, giving residents much needed relief. Gas stations are reopening and lines have shortened.

Johnson reported most Augusta roads are clear, not including the roads with downed power lines.

Statewide, Georgia Power reported Friday it restored power to more than 1.2 million customers following Hurricane Helene – more than 90% of all customers impacted by the most destructive hurricane in the company's history.

"Progress is ongoing and the company expects to reach 95% total restoration by this Saturday," according to Georgia Power.

Augusta schools will remain closed next week, as crews continue to dispose of debris and power is restored.

Richmond County students will return to class Oct. 16, The Chronicle reported on Friday. Columbia County students will return Wednesday.

-Alexandra Koch

8:30 p.m. Friday – Columbia County provides update on Hurricane Helene clean up

Columbia County manager Scott Johnson provided an update Friday night on storm clean up, noting debris pick up will take place over the weekend.

Johnson said debris should be cut up into manageable sizes and placed on the curb.

"We'll be making many passes around the county, so don't worry if you don't get it done this weekend," he said. "That's okay. We're going to have time. This cleanup effort is going to take some time."

In terms of power, Johnson confirmed that as of Friday night, less than 20,000 Columbia County residents were still experiencing outages.

"Folks, that is a tremendous effort from our partners at Georgia Power," he said. "I know many of you are still without power and you're wondering when it's coming back. We did see some restoration dates pushed out – I believe to the 9th, the 10th, and maybe even the 12th for some of those restoration dates – but I can tell you, Georgia Power is working diligently to get us back online. I believe most of the substations, if not all of the substations, are up. Now, we're working on distribution lines to try to get the power back."

Jefferson Electric pushed out restoration time estimates, a concern for many Columbia County residents using the provider.

"It's not the good news that we wanted," Johnson said. "I think the restoration times, in some cases, are as long as two weeks."

The county's Emergency Operations Center will remain open through the weekend and normal county operations will resume on Monday, according to Johnson.

Anyone with questions can call 311 or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number, 706-541-2800.

-Alexandra Koch

8 p.m. Friday – Hurricane Helene death toll rises, reaches double digits in Aiken County

Hurricane Helene's death toll continues to rise, one week after the storm barreled through the Augusta area.

On Friday afternoon, the Aiken County Coroner's Office confirmed two additional Helene-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in Aiken County to 10.

See a list of the deaths and their causes below:

-Alexandra Koch

7:30 p.m. Friday – Boil water advisory lifted in Augusta

The City of Augusta on Friday night announced the boil water advisory was lifted for residents and businesses.

The Augusta Utilities Department lifted the boil water advisory, issued on Monday, noting comprehensive water testing confirmed the tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption, according to a news release.

Affected customers no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking or making ice – but should flush their lines by opening the cold water faucet and letting the water run for two minutes, according to the release.

"We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience," officials wrote in the release.

To read about how Augusta residents collected water during the outage, click here.

-Alexandra Koch

7 p.m. Friday – One killed in Augusta fire, AFD chief says to 'practice safe habits'

The Richmond County Coroner's Office confirmed a man died early Friday in a Hephzibah house fire.

Christopher Brand, 38, was found inside of a home on the 2000 block of Bassford Drive in Hephzibah just after 1 a.m. by firefighters, according to a news release from the coroner's office.

Brand was pronounced dead at 2:55 a.m., according to the release. An autopsy is scheduled.

During a press conference Friday afternoon, Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden told residents to "practice habits" in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

The coroner's office said it is unclear if the death was Helene-related, noting it is working with the fire department to determine the cause of death.

-Alexandra Koch

1:05 p.m. Friday – Jefferson Energy provides update on power loss in Columbia County, announces it could take 'several more weeks'

Jefferson Electric Cooperative on Friday confirmed it could take weeks for some residents to get power back, following Hurricane Helene.

As of Friday afternoon, Jefferson Electric said it has 16,940 service locations without power and has fully restored all 26 of its substations. The company has energized 1,304 of 3,886 miles of distribution lines resulting in 19,938 service locations being energized.

"[We] continue to work on the damage to the poles, lines, and infrastructure preventing us from powering your homes and businesses," according to a news release. "This is a crucial step in the restoration process, but we have several more weeks ahead of us in our hardest-hit areas. This is not the news we want to give, not what you want to hear, but we want to be as transparent as possible."

The company suggested those who require electricity for medical needs relocate temporarily, according to the release. If relocation is not an option, Jefferson Energy recommends securing a generator from a friend or neighbor or seeking help at a local facility.

The company's outage map can be accessed atwww.jec.coop. Additionally, customers can text “JECOUTAGE” to 877-JEFFERSON (877-533-3377) for mobile updates.

-Alexandra Koch

7 a.m. Friday – Meet 'Storm,' an Augusta puppy being raised in the dark

When De'andre McKinnis picked up his new best friend on Sept. 1, he had no way of knowing the challenges he would face raising a puppy during a devastating hurricane that would cause multi-county power and water outages.

McKinnis, who lives in an Augusta apartment, woke up at 4 a.m. on Sept. 27 without power. While he and his girlfriend, who is a nurse, were able to take brief refuge in Athens, they had to return for work Wednesday morning before power was restored.

He said in addition to the normal challenges of having a puppy, Hurricane Helene brought other concerns.

"At night time, we're not able to see her unless we have flashlights on her at all times," McKinnis said. "Especially since she's a black puppy, at night time she can get lost. I lost her out of my line of sight a couple times [since the storm hit]."

He added the couple's limited resources are being used to keep the puppy healthy.

"It's so hot and her having this coat of fur makes it even hotter, so we have to try to keep the small fan that we do have pointed at her so she can be cool," McKinnis said. "I can't really let her roam around the apartment like I want to."

Puppies can start regulating their body temperature at 3 weeks old, but are vulnerable to hot and cold climates until they are 3 months old, according to Petcube.

"It's just really hard, especially since it's my first time having a puppy like this on my own," he said.

McKinnis described the puppy's name, 'Storm,' which was decided before the hurricane, as "so fitting."

USA Today provided tips for pet owners without water or power, post-Helene:

• Keep pets on a leash and make sure they are microchipped or wearing a collar in case they escape
• Stock up on food (Augusta area shelters and distribution centers are offering pet products)
• Take photos of pets in case they end up separated from their owners

-Alexandra Koch

6:45 a.m. Friday – City of Augusta provides update on traffic lights

Augusta's Traffic Engineering team announced Friday morning it is currently at 40% capacity in restoring traffic signals.

There are seven crews dedicated to restoring the signals, according to the city.

In the meantime, residents should remember to:

• Treat intersections with non-working traffic lights as a four-way stop
• Come to a complete stop and proceed only when it’s safe
• Be cautious and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles

-Alexandra Koch

6:30 a.m. Friday – Power outage update in Augusta area

As of 6:30 a.m. Friday, here are the number of customers in the Augusta area still without power, reported by Georgia Power, Rayle EMC and Dominion Energy:

Richmond, Columbia counties: 52,663 customers (Georgia Power)

Lincolnton: 1,635 customers (Rayle EMC)

Aiken County: 25,232 customers (Dominion Energy), 10,400 customers (Aiken Co-op)

Edgefield County: 3,703 customers (Dominion Energy), 4,300 customers (Aiken Co-op)

-Alexandra Koch

6:15 a.m. Friday – Augusta Canal trails closed 'until further notice'

Due to "tremendous damage" to the Augusta Canal towpath, the City of Augusta announced trails are currently closed and unnavigable until further notice.

"There are over 100 trees down from the Pumping Station to the Headgates," according to a news release. "This is important to get help to the Augusta Utilities Raw Water Pumping Station on the canal towpath."

The National Guard and Augusta Canal staff for actively working on the clean-up, according to the city.

In the meantime, residents can visit the Canal Discovery Center for free at 1452 Greene St., Augusta.

-Alexandra Koch

6 a.m. Friday – 78,000 pounds of ground beef, produce to be distributed Friday in Augusta

FPL Food, LLC on Friday will donate of 78,000 pounds of ground beef patties to support the Augusta community following Hurricane Helene.

The ground beef patties will be distributed on Friday, October 4. Pickup will take place beginning at 9 a.m. FPL Food is collaborating with the Augusta Mayor’s Office to ensure that the meat reaches families in need as quickly as possible.

The frozen ground beef patties will be available at the following locations on Friday:

• 9 a.m. – Southgate Plaza Distribution Center, 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta, GA 30906
• 10 a.m. – Greater Young Zion Baptist Church, 405 Sand Bar Ferry Rd., Augusta, GA 30901
• 11 a.m. – Good Samaritan Baptist Church, 1556 Maple Street, Augusta, GA 30901
• 12 p.m. – Good Shepherd Baptist, 1714 Olive Rd., Augusta, GA 30904
• 2 p.m. – Broadway Baptist, 2323 Barton Chapel Rd., Augusta, GA 30906
• 4 p.m. – Faith Outreach Church, 2664 Willis Foreman Rd., Augusta, GA 30907

The initiative aims to provide nutritious meals to families and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene, according to a news release from FPL Food.

"During times of crisis, it’s crucial for businesses to step up and support their communities," said FPL Food CEO Francois Leger. "We are honored to play a role in helping our neighbors recover and rebuild after Hurricane Helene. We hope this donation brings some comfort and nourishment to those who have been affected."

In addition, Augusta Mayor Garnett L. Johnson and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond signed a mutual aid agreement on Wednesday for emergency assistance, allowing Thurmond and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to send 5,000 boxes of food and emergency supplies to Augusta.

"The Good Neighbor Express" emergency assistance will travel Friday to Augusta to deliver 5,000 boxes containing Georgia-grown fruits, vegetables and produce that can be consumed without cooking, sanitizers, masks and COVID-19 tests.

Produce pick up starts at 8 a.m. Friday at the following locations:

• 8 a.m. – Greater Young Zion Baptist Church, 405 Sand Bar Ferry Rd., Augusta
• 10 a.m. – Good Samaritan Baptist Church, 1556 Maple St., Augusta
• 12 p.m. – Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1714 Olive Rd., Augusta
• 2 p.m. – Broadway Baptist Church, 2323 Barton Chapel Rd., Augusta
• 4 p.m. – Faith Outreach Church, 2664 Willis Foreman Rd., Augusta

-Alexandra Koch

5:45 a.m. Friday – Augusta searching for subcontractors to help with debris removal

As part of the city's ongoing recovery efforts post-Helene, Augusta-Richmond County's contractor is seeking qualified subcontractors to assist with debris removal projects.

Businesses that specialize in debris removal and emergency response are invited to apply to be a part of the contractor's approved vendor list, according to the city.

To become a subcontractor, apply here.

-Alexandra Koch

5:30 a.m. Friday – How Augusta residents can tell if the person at their door is FEMA, a contractor, or a scammer

The Augusta Fire Department recently provided information about how Augusta area residents can tell if door knockers are actually from FEMA, a legitimate contractor, or a scammer.

FEMA personnel may be going door-to-door, asking residents if they wish to register for disaster assistance, according to the department

All FEMA employees will have a government-issued Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card with their photo, according to Augusta Fire.

Anyone with concerns about the legitimacy of someone claiming to be a FEMA employee should reach out to FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.

In addition, Georgia’s Planning and Development Department urged residents to be careful while selecting contractors for home or business repairs post-Helene. To avoid contractor scams, it is crucial to ensure that repairs are done safely and up to code.

Here's a list of tips, provided by the City of Augusta:

• Check for a current business license (expires 12/31/2024, no other date options)
• Check for proof of insurance (surety bond and/or ACCORD)
• Make sure the license is for the services that they are offering.Check status here – https://sos.ga.gov/.
• Only hire/use licensed and bonded electricians. Check status here – https://sos.ga.gov/.
• For out of state contractors, check with the Secretary of State to see if they are currently registered. (Note: Some municipalities don’t have business license requirements.)

For more information about how to select a contractor and report suspected fraud, contact the Augusta Planning and Development at 706-821-1796.

-Alexandra Koch

5 p.m. Thursday – Day 6: Columbia County provides Hurricane Helene update

Columbia County Manager Scott Johnson provided a post-Helene update Thursday afternoon from the county's Procurement Department, detailing resources available for residents.

Residents can pick up water daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Procurement Department on Faircloth Drive, off of Evans Town Center Boulevard.

The county is still accepting donation drop offs at The Market, near the Performing Arts Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Free Wi-Fi is being provided at Evans Town Center Park and Patriots Park will remain open through the weekend.

Georgia Power confirmed to the county that half of the power to residents has been restored; there are less than 30,000 customers without power as of Thursday afternoon.

"We're going to continue to assess everything," Johnson said. "Our cleanup crews are out moving around. I know our debris management company is already out picking up debris piles. Remember, please don't block the road, don't block the storm drains, don't block driveways. Push that stuff out to the road and we're going to get around and get that as quick as we can."

Columbia County Emergency Management Director Shawn Granato provided information about individual assistance coming from FEMA, noting the county was declared eligible, as of Wednesday, for individual assistance from FEMA.

Those with insurance should contact their provider as soon as possible, according to Granato. They can help guide residents through the process of filing a claim and provide support with damages.

Columbia County is in the process of setting up a disaster recovery center for FEMA, and FEMA will have boots on the ground going door to door within the next 10 to 14 days, according to Granato.

For those without insurance, there are several forms of individual assistance from FEMA available, which can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, according to the county. FEMA offers immediate support for housing and food needs, along with various programs aimed at helping both individuals and business owners recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing or have a speech disability, contact FEMA at (800) 462-7585 using TTY.

Residents can also call the crisis cleanup hotline for debris removal at their property at 844-965-1386.

-Alexandra Koch

4:45 p.m. Thursday – Richmond County pushes back curfew, announces updated shelters

Richmond County announced on Thursday afternoon it is shortening curfew for residents.

The curfew will be from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., effective Thursday.

Available shelters, open 24/7, include:

• May Park Community Center, 622 4th St., Augusta
• Henry Brigham Community Center, 2463 Golden Camp Rd., Augusta

Resources at both shelters include: Safe sleeping areas, hot meals, water and hygiene supplies, Red Cross assistance, medical support for minor needs, and charging stations.

-Alexandra Koch

12:20 p.m. Thursday – Mike Padgett Highway in Augusta down to one lane

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced early Thursday afternoon traffic lights were being replaced at the intersection of Mike Padgett Highway and Phinizy Road.

"Due to this, only one lane is open on Mike Padgett Highway currently," according to a news release from the sheriff's office. "Please use alternate routes if traveling in this area."

-Alexandra Koch

11:45 a.m. Thursday – Here's where Augusta area residents can get meals, supplies

Richmond County has a number of locations where Augustans looking for meals, showers and supplies can pick up what they need.

Three city-run distribution locations are fully operational, as of Thursday morning, including:

• Diamond Lakes, 4335 Windsor Spring Rd., Augusta
• Southgate, 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta
• Augusta Depot, 511 Reynolds St., Augusta (offering charcoal, 1-pound propane tanks)

Each household can receive: Two tarps, one case of MREs, two cases of water, and two bags of ice.

Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, according to the city.

Find other Augusta area locations where meals will be served here.

-Alexandra Koch

11:30 a.m. Thursday – Where to drop off Helene donations in the Augusta area

Columbia County recently announced it is setting up a donation site where individuals and organizations can drop off needed items.

The donation drop off will be at The Market, located at 1000 Market St. in Evans, according to a news release from the county. Items can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Needed items include:

• Bottled Water
• Non-perishable food
• Diapers and wipes
• Formula
• Toiletries
• Paper goods
• Pet supplies

-Alexandra Koch

11:15 a.m. Thursday – Here are the latest updates from Columbia County post-Helene

-Alexandra Koch

11 a.m. Thursday – Where to pick up free baby products in the Augusta area

Columbia County Community Connections on Thursday is handing out diapers, wipes, limited formula, AA batteries, hand sanitizer, and feminine products.

Residents can pick items up from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 5915 Euchee Creek Dr., Grovetown, according to a news release.

-Alexandra Koch

10:30 a.m. Thursday – Columbia County parks reopen, others remain closed 'indefinitely'

Columbia County on Thursday announced a number of parks reopened following Hurricane Helene, while others will remain closed indefinitely.

Crews have been working all week to try to assess damages and take care of safety concerns at Columbia County parks, according to a news release. While some are ready to open, most have areas that are not safe for residents to frequent.

Areas that are not safe may be marked off with yellow tape or caution tape, according to the county.

Here is a list of Columbia County parks that have reopened:

• Riverside Park: Open (except for the tennis courts)
• Evans Towne Center Park: Open (please exercise caution around uprooted trees)
• Lakeside Park: Open (except for one tennis court with a downed tree)
• Blanchard Park: Old side is open; the new portion, including play structures and the dogpark, is closed until further notice
• Lonnie Morris Park: Open
• Eubank Blanchard Park: Open
• Gateway Park: Open
• Blanchard Woods Park: Open (except for the cross country trail, which will remain closed until further notice)

The following parks are closed indefinitely:

• Reed Creek Nature Park and Interpretive Center
• Memorial Park
• Savannah Rapids Park
• Wildwood Park
• Columbia County Racquet Center

The county also provided updates on youth sports and county programs on Thursday.

All youth sports and county programs are suspended until further notice, according to the county. All reservations for Wildwood Park, Savannah Rapids Pavilion, and the Columbia County Exhibition Center will be contacted individually by county staff. Refunds will be processed for events that cannot be rescheduled.

-Alexandra Koch

10 a.m. Thursday – Gov. Brian Kemp declares major disaster for Richmond, Columbia, Burke counties

Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday declared a major disaster for 41 Georgia counties, including Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties, due to Hurricane Helene.

Residents can apply for aid covering temporary housing, home repairs and other recovery needs. Assistance includes grants and low-cost loans.

"The Major Disaster Declaration will begin to provide critical resources to the limited counties designated for Hurricane Helene," according to GEMA/HS director Chris Stallings. "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our residents, and we will continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners to provide the support needed during this challenging time.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

-Alexandra Koch

9:40 a.m. Thursday – Augusta announces number of trees down

Since the storm, Augusta officials noted 907 tree down requests have been submitted.

"We encourage residents to continue using the Augusta 311 mobile app to report tree/limb down issues and property damage from Hurricane Helene," according to officials.

-Alexandra Koch

9:25 a.m. Thursday – Augusta Fire provides tips on using chainsaws, getting rid of debris

The Augusta Fire Department released a number of tips on chainsaw safety, as locals clean up debris from Hurricane Helene.

Tips for operating chainsaws include: wearing gloves and safety goggles, being patient and having a first aid kit nearby.

Also, here are some tips on how to separate debris for collection:

-Alexandra Koch

9:20 a.m. Thursday – How to help post-Helene in Augusta

Here's how you can help Hurricane Helene survivors, according to FEMA:

• Sign up to volunteer with a trusted organization like National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD)
• Donate cash - cash is flexible and doesn’t require packaging or transport
• Donate supplies that have been identified as needed
• Avoid traveling to affected areas for your safety and to prevent disruptions for responders

-Alexandra Koch

9:15 a.m. Thursday – How Augustans can check their boil water status

Click this link to view the current water boil status by street name.

The live spreadsheet updates in real-time as staff makes changes, so be sure to refresh the page periodically for the latest information, according to the City of Augusta.

Each street will indicate a water status of either "boil" or "no-boil."

-Alexandra Koch

7 a.m. Thursday –Columbia County Fire: 'Trees and power lines were falling down, but they were still committed to serving'

Newly released data shows emergency 911 call volume quadrupled in Columbia County during Hurricane Helene, but despite the increased workload, firefighters stepped up to serve the community – with many volunteering an additional 30 to 40 hours on top of their 24 on, 48 off shifts.

"Columbia County Fire Rescue was willing and ready," said CCFR Deputy Chief Brent Willis. "Our personnel continued to respond to emergencies throughout the center of the storm. When winds were exceeding 70+ mph gusts, personnel sought shelter at the closest facility, but went right back to responding as soon as they could safely respond. During these winds, trees and power lines were falling down all around our personnel, but they were still committed to serving the citizens of Columbia County."

The department's initial focus was clearing roads for fire, EMS, and law enforcement to gain access, with the support of Columbia County Roads and Bridges and Army National Guard teams, according to Willis. Fire rescue proactively added four quick response units and a swift water rescue team several hours before the storm.

Since then, fire rescue's strike teams have been gaining access to some of the hardest-hit areas, doing door-to-door searches – in addition to continuing to respond to regular calls for service.

The Columbia County 911 center processed more than 5,300 calls on the day of the storm, according to county data. Post-Helene, the department is still averaging 2,000 calls daily.

Willis described the county's response to Helene as "remarkable."

"The entire county has been running 24/7 operations led by Columbia County EMA - from Water Utility keeping our drinking water moving and safe, Broadband and Information Technology keeping communication lines running, Road and Bridges staff clearing roadways, fleet keeping vehicles and buildings running on generators, to county management providing guidance and support," he said. "The entire team of Columbia County employees have had a non-stop attitude for the community. There came a time over the past week where they had to be made to take a break, because they didn’t want to stop.”

Even though a week has passed since Helene made its way through the Augusta area, safety is still a concern.

Willis provided the following tips for residents:

• Do not get around downed power lines. This is very dangerous, as you do not know if they are energized or could become energized during restorations.
• Follow all safety precautions using chainsaws or other equipment. If you are unsure of proper cutting techniques, call professionals to handle it.
• Do not run generators in the home or garage, as they produce carbon monoxide and also could pose a fire hazard.
• If you have an emergency call 911. If you have questions about the storm, trees down, or other non-emergent issues, call 311.

-Alexandra Koch

6 p.m. Wednesday – Here's how many Richmond, Columbia County traffic lights are still out

The Georgia Department of Transportation released the number of traffic lights with and without power Wednesday afternoon in Richmond and Columbia counties, and announced it is assisting in debris removal along the interstates.

Richmond County currently has 92 traffic lights with power and 165 are either damaged or without power, according to GDOT. Nineteen are in flash mode.

Columbia County has 14 traffic lights without power, 46 with power, and 23 on generators, according to GDOT.

GDOT sent all District 2 (east-central Georgia) signal personnel to Richmond County on Wednesday to help with Hurricane Helene cleanup.

In addition to all District 2 crews, District 3 (west-central Georgia) sent two crews to Richmond County to help clear debris at the Georgia Welcome Center on Interstate 20, near the South Carolina state line, according to a news release.

"We continue to ask drivers to use caution as several traffic lights across the district are non-operational due to power loss," according to the release. "If you see a non-operational traffic light, Georgia law requires you to treat it like a stop sign. Please continue limiting all non-essential travel to help our Georgia DOT crews perform their work quicker and safer."

-Alexandra Koch

5:15 p.m. Wednesday – Goodwill to help Augustans with jobs post-Helene

Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA on Thursday will open its Grovetown Job Connection Career Center and a "Pop-Up Career Center" at the Goodwill on Wrightsboro Road, offering critical support and resources to Augusta area residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

Both centers will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provide a range of services to help individuals and families recover, including FEMA application assistance, SNAP benefits guidance, and access to essential community resources, according to a news release from Goodwill.

Additionally, the Grovetown location will provide access to internet, Wi-Fi and a printer/copier for those needing to submit applications and important documents, according to the release.

First Step Staffing will distribute bottled water at the Wrightsboro Road pop-up career center, ensuring that basic supplies are readily available during the recovery period.

“Goodwill is deeply committed to helping our community recover and rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene,” said Leah Pontani, senior vice president for career development. “We are grateful to Georgia Power and local agencies for restoring power to our Goodwill stores and Career Centers, allowing us to offer vital support such as access to FEMA applications, SNAP benefits, and local resources."

Locations:

• Goodwill Grovetown Job Connection: 4019 Gateway Blvd., Grovetown, GA 30813
• Wrightsboro Road Pop-Up Career Center at Goodwill Store: 3362 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta, GA 30909

The resources are free and open to the public, according to the release. Goodwill staff will be on hand to assist at both locations. All community members impacted by the hurricane are encouraged to visit either location for support.

-Alexandra Koch

5:05 p.m. Wednesday – Columbia County announces new curfew

Columbia County administration is implementing a curfew Wednesday night for all Columbia County residents from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday.

“This 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 power lines 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.

“This temporary restriction aims to minimize risks associated with hazardous conditions and allows emergency responders to effectively manage and respond to any emergent situations,” according to the release.

-Alexandra Koch

5 p.m. Wednesday – Trash service resumes in Augusta

Augusta Environmental Services contractors resumed trash collection Wednesday on accessible streets, according to a news release from Richmond County.

They will collect one day behind normal schedule and will only collect household waste in cans, according to the release. They will not take yard debris or bulky items.

“Please place carts in an accessible location at the curb,” according to the county.

-Alexandra Koch

12:45 p.m. Wednesday – Regions Bank pledges $15,000 to United Way of the CSRA, offers loans and waives certain fees for customers

Regions Bank on Tuesday announced a series of disaster-recovery financial services designed to help people and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, recently announced a commitment of $15,000 to United Way of the CSRA, which is helping people in and around Augusta following widespread effects from the storm.

"Relief organizations are on the ground meeting urgent needs, and we are honored to support their important work," said Marta Mendes-Miguel Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. "The greatest way we can help as an organization is to provide resources that further enable them to do what they do best.”

In addition, Regions Bank developed and launched disaster-recovery financial services for people and businesses in impacted areas.

Beginning Wednesday, Regions will:

• Waive ATM Surcharges for non-customers in the impacted areas within Regions’ footprint for two weeks (Oct. 2 – Oct. 16)
• Provide Mortgage Disaster Relief Purchase and Renovation loan programs
• Waive fees when customers use other banks’ ATMs in the impacted areas for at least 14 days (Note: Fees charged by other banks or ATM owners may still apply)
• Remove check-cashing fees for FEMA-issued checks when cashed in a Regions branch
• Provide personal and business loan payment assistance
• Provide payment deferrals for current credit card holders
• Provide business loan payment deferrals of up to 90 days

The majority of Regions’ bank branches within impacted areas are back open and serving customers.

-Alexandra Koch

12 p.m. Wednesday – Aiken County coroner updates Helene-related deaths

Aiken County Coroner Daryl Ables updated the list of Hurricane Helene-related deaths to include a 66-year-old woman who died from a respiratory issue at ARMC Hospital.

The now-seven Aiken County deaths include:

-Alexandra Koch

11:50 a.m. Wednesday – Columbia County announced water distribution on Faircloth Drive, closes road

Columbia County officials announced Wednesday afternoon residents can pick up cases of water at the Procurement Warehouse located on Faircloth Drive in Evans.

The initiative aims to support our community by providing access to essential resources, according to a news release from the county.

Location: Procurement Warehouse, 500 Faircloth Dr., EvansTime: Open until 6 p.m. WednesdayLimit: One case per familyIdentification: Bring a valid ID for verification

"We encourage all Columbia County residents, including those from Harlem and Grovetown, to take advantage of this distribution," according to the release.

Due to the county’s procurement warehouse being a designated pickup point, Faircloth Drive is closed to thru traffic and only open to those picking up water.

-Alexandra Koch

11:30 a.m. Wednesday – Columbia County sees looting incidents post-Helene

Records show the Columbia County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple looting incidents after Hurricane Helene devastated the area.

In a burglary Monday morning at the Dollar General on Louisville Road in Grovetown, Red Bull energy drinks and cash were stolen from the business, according to an incident report.

Deputies noted there were signs of forced entry at the door and they found cigarette cartons scattered on the floor.

In an incident at GA Vape on Columbia Road in Martinez early Tuesday, a glass break alarm was activated by damage to the front door of the business.

Deputies noted it looked like the front door was struck with a blunt object, causing the window to spider, according to an incident report.

Deputies were not able to find anyone fleeing the scene, according to the report.

-Alexandra Koch

11:00 a.m. Wednesday – Power outage updates for Augusta area

Six days post-Helene, more than 95,000 Georgia Power customers are still without service, as of Wednesday morning, according to the company's outage map.

The earliest estimated restoration date for the area is listed as 11:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the map, though many customers got their power back much sooner.

Dominion Energy's outage map shows more than 62,000 customers are without power, as of Wednesday morning.

The estimated restoration date is not listed, but the company noted the area is under "active restoration," according to the map.

-Alexandra Koch

7:00 a.m. Wednesday – Walmart truckers come together to bring hot meals to hungry Augustans post-Helene

Walmart truck drivers Greg Carter and Rickey Oliver, founders of a program that delivers hot meals to communities affected by natural disasters, rolled into Augusta this week ready to prepare and serve Augusta area residents nearly 5,800 servings of food on Tuesday with more expected on Wednesday.

What they didn’t expect was the emotion that would come with feeding so many Augusta families devastated by the Hurricane Helene

Carter, a 34-year Walmart truck driver, wiped his dampening eyes while talking about what he saw Tuesday while serving Augustans who were without water and power for nearly a week.

A little boy ran up to Carter after being given his food, looked up at him, and said, “I love you,” before reaching up for a hug.

“How do you put that into words,” Carter said. “This is devastating. We've had people cry. To be able to help those folks is an honor.”

Augustans were served a variety of protein, provided by partner Tyson Foods, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, a green bean medley, water, and ice.

As palettes disappeared from the parking lot, Carter reflected on the start of the program, which stemmed from a response to a tornado in Henryville, Indiana, nearly eight years ago.

“I'm from Seymour, Indiana and I told my boss, ‘Let’s go down there and help folks,’” Carter said. “[My boss] said, ‘Carter, we sent them water.’ I asked him, ‘Did you have breakfast this morning?’ And he said, ‘Well, yeah.’ I said, ‘They haven't.’ That was the first [meal distribution] we ever did. I immediately called Rickey, because Rickey and I have done so many things in the past together, and Walmart said it would give us some [supplies] and see how it works out.”

After proving Walmart drivers could come together to make the initiative happen, Walmart began expanding the program, allowing hundreds of its drivers from all over the country to provide assistance.

“We've been very blessed to work for a company that puts its money where its mouth is.” Carter said. “I could retire, I'm 68 years old and will be 69 in November. I’m not going anywhere. I love what I do. … We don't have enough of this in the world. It’s not ‘I’ and ‘me’, it's ‘us,’ and ‘we’. If we could ever get back to that, we would be alright.”

Augustans can pick up food, water and ice Wednesday between noon and 5 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter in Augusta, located at 260 Bobby Jones Expressway.

-Alexandra Koch

6:15 a.m. Wednesday − Thousands more linemen expected to start work on Wednesday to repair power lines

As many as 8,000 linemen are expected to arrive in the Augusta area by Wednesday, said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Already about 1,000 linemen had worked to restore power to thousands of Augusta area homes by Tuesday as the city continues recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

To read more about efforts to restore power, click here.

4:45 p.m. Tuesday – VP Kamala Harris to survey storm damage in Augusta Wednesday

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, will survey the impacts of Hurricane Helene and receive an on-the-ground briefing about recovery efforts in Augusta on Wednesday, according to the White House.

Both Biden, who is set to visit North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday, and Harris said they wanted to wait to visit storm-damaged areas so their presence would not pose disruptions during the immediate emergency response.

The speed, quality and disputes over federal aidcould have election ramifications in the battleground statesof North Carolina and Georgia, both ravaged by flooding.

Read the full story HERE.

4:30 p.m. Tuesday – National Weather Service confirms Helene-related tornado in Burke County

The National Weather Service on Tuesday announced a radar/EM confirmed tornado touched down near Vidette in Burke County.

The tornado touched down at 5:53 a.m. Thursday and was categorized as an EF0, with peak winds reaching 80 mph, according to a news release from the NWS. The path length was 2.27 miles and the max width was 50 yards.

It caused widespread damage to trees and infrastructure in Burke County, making it impossible to survey the tornado after the fact, according to the release.

"We'd like to thank Burke County Emergency Management for the timely reports shortly after this tornado touched down," according to the NWS.

The weather service did not confirm any tornadoes in Aiken, Columbia or Richmond counties, as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

-Alexandra Koch

4:15 p.m. Tuesday – Augusta giving out free ice

The City of Augusta announced it is giving out free bags of ice to residents on Tuesday, according to a news release.

Pick up is at the Augusta Municipal Building, located at 535 Telfair St. in Augusta. Supplies are limited.

-Alexandra Koch

4 p.m. Tuesday – Burke County launches post-Helene clean up

The Burke County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Disaster Response Team, City of Midville and the Midville Police Department, launched post-Helene cleanup efforts Tuesday morning in the Midville area.

"Deputies are working diligently to clear side streets, driveways, and other obstructions to ensure the main roads are accessible for the citizens of Midville," according to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

In addition to debris removal, the Burke County Sheriff's Office has set up grills to prepare meals for those in need and is providing essential water supplies, according to the release.

Midville has been severely affected, losing electricity that powers the town's water system.

Efforts to restore electricity are underway with assistance from the state and local partners, according to the release. The disaster response team is scheduled to move to Vidette and the City of Keysville Wednesday.

-Alexandra Koch

1:30 p.m. Tuesday – Here's where Augustans can check their water status

Multiple households reported loss of water as early as Friday, and on Sunday, even more lost water after Augusta had to shut it down due to further complications.

While some have water again, the city issued a boil water advisory on Monday saying it's not safe to drink and residents should boil it before consuming it. However, it's fine to use it for bathing and other bathroom needs.

Residents can go to dlvr.it/TDt7db to check the current status of their streets and whether or not their water is safe to drink yet.

Click here to see which Augusta areas have water.

1:15 p.m. Tuesday – Downed power lines on I-520

At 11:36 a.m. Tuesday, downed lines were reported on I-520 in both directions at SR10/US78/Gordon Highway, according to the 511 GA app.

All lanes were closed, according to 511.

-Alexandra Koch

11:30 a.m. Tuesday – Power outage update in Richmond, Columbia, Aiken counties

Five days post-Helene, nearly 120,000 Georgia Power customers are still without service, as of Tuesday, according to the company's outage map.

The earliest estimated restoration date for the area is listed as 11:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the map.

Dominion Energy's outage map shows nearly 38,000 customers are without power, as of Tuesday afternoon.

The estimated restoration date is not listed, but the company noted damages are "under evaluation," according to the map.

-Alexandra Koch

11 a.m. Tuesday – Local Augusta cleaners warn of mold, unlicensed contractors

As Augustans begin restoration work following Hurricane Helene, local PuroClean owners shared tips to safely handle cleanup and recovery.

Here are a few tips PuroClean would like homeowners to consider when dealing the aftermath of Helene:

• Tree damage and debris removal:Fallen trees and debris can pose significant hazards. Avoid handling large debris or tree limbs, as they could be tangled with live wires or create additional structural damage. Contact professionals to remove trees safely.
• Prevent mold growth:Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. If possible, begin drying out property by using fans, opening windows and removing soaked items. Extensive mold problems should be addressed by certified professionals to prevent long-term health risks.
• Work with reputable contractors:Only hire licensed and insured contractors to assess and repair storm damage. Be cautious of contractors who solicit door-to-door or ask for full payment upfront – these could be signs of a scam.

-Alexandra Koch

7:05 a.m. Tuesday – Walmart Supercenter in Augusta to offer free hot meals every day

The public is invited to receive a free hot meal, which will be cooked and served by Walmart and Tyson Foods drivers, between noon and 5 p.m. every day at the Walmart Supercenter in Augusta at 260 Bobby Jones Expressway, according to a news release from Walmart.

The trucks rolled in with the supplies on Monday evening, according to the release.

"In addition to this initiative in Augusta, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $6 million in support of hurricane relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential supplies and grants to organizations providing on-the-ground support," according to the release.

As part of the commitment, Walmart will help magnify its customers and members' impact by matching their donations 1:1, up to $2.5 million, when they donate to support hurricane relief at the registers in stores and clubs and onWalmart.com, starting this week, according to the release.

Walmart also continues to provide up-to-date information on store hours and closures to customers on theHurricane Helene Information page.

The service was first offered in Perry, Florida, where Walmart served over 10,000 meals in two days over the weekend, according to the release.

-Alexandra Koch

9:15 p.m. Monday – Augusta announces new emergency relief locations, water distribution plan

Augusta EMA released a new water distribution plan, noting the area is under a boil water advisory.

The city issued the water advisory just before 8:15 p.m. Monday and provided new water distribution locations which will open at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Potable water is available at the following locations, where residents can fill containers such as coolers, jugs or any suitable water containers:

• Diamond Lakes - 4335 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah
• Blythe Recreation Center - 3129 Hwy 88, Blythe
• Southgate Plaza - 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta
• Warren Baptist Aquatic Center
• The Depot

Pre-packaged bottled water is available at the following locations:

• Augusta Municipal Building - 535 Telfair St., Augusta
• Southgate Plaza - 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta
• Diamond Lakes - 4335 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah

For food distribution, visit the same locations offering bottled drinking water, according to the city.

In addition, new emergency relief locations are available, including:

• Aiken YMCA - 621 Trolley Line Rd., Aiken
• North Augusta YMCA - 401 W Martintown Rd., North Augusta
• Barnwell YMCA - 660 Joey Zorn Blvd., Barnwell

-Alexandra Koch

8:15 p.m. Monday – Power restored along Alexander Drive near Washington Road

Power was restored on Monday afternoon to a number of buildings along Alexander Drive, where a power line fell during Hurricane Helene.

Linemen were working in the area during the day, reporters with The Chronicle noted.

Nearby businesses, including Top Golf and River Watch Cinemas, are still without power, as of 8:15 p.m. Monday.

-Alexandra Koch

7:30 p.m. Monday – Fort Eisenhower under voluntary evacuation

On Sunday, the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower Commanding General sought and gained approval for a "safe haven" declaration, after the post lost both power and water, according to a news release sent out late Monday.

MG Ryan Janovic signed the memo to "support the soldiers, civilians and family members assigned to Fort Eisenhower who are currently dealing with severely degraded living conditions caused by Hurricane Helene by offering a pathway for reimbursement for expenses incurred due to relocation to 'safe haven' locations," according to a news release.

The memo is not a mandatory evacuation, according to the post. The Joint Travel Regulation requires a memorandum to authorize reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by permanent party who voluntarily evacuate up to 500 miles from Fort Eisenhower.

Mission essential personnel are required to remain as the Fort Eisenhower community continues to recover; leaders in each chain of command continue to identity the persons required for mission essential operations, according to the release.

"We want to emphasize the memorandum and voluntary evacuation authorization has nothing to do with any threats to safety beyond the current absence of power and water on the installation," according to the release.

The safe haven authorization does not apply to trainees assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence’s Cyber and Signal Schools, but the post said it is examining early graduations (approximately 600 trainees) and delayed reporting of next courses.

Fort Eisenhower remains in a "emergency and mission essential personnel only" status through Wednesday, according to the release.

-Alexandra Koch

5 p.m. Monday – AT&T customers unable to make 911 calls in Aiken County

AT&T customers attempting to call 911 in Aiken County and the surrounding area are experiencing technical difficulties and are unable to make wireless calls to 911, according to an emergency alert.

The county said to "find alterative methods to communicate to 911" or call 803-642-1751, according to the alert.

-Alexandra Koch

4:45 p.m. Monday − What's open in the Augusta area?

Though most Augusta area businesses remained closed on Monday due to power losses stemming from the damage wreaked by Hurricane Helene, there were some that managed to open their doors and more are making plans to do so soon.

For a list of some Augusta area businesses operating now, click here.

4:35 p.m. Monday − Downtown Augusta's Greek Festival postponed

Due to damage cause by Hurricane Helene, the popular Greek Festival scheduled for this weekend in downtown Augusta has been postponed.

The festival is now tentatively planned for Oct. 17-20.

To learn more, click here.

2:30 p.m. Monday – At least 25 Georgians dead after Hurricane Helene, GEMA installs portable towers for 911 calls

Gov. Brian Kemp announced at least 25 Georgia residents died in the storm, as of Monday morning, according to a report from Capitol Beat.

"This storm literally spared no one," Kemp told Capitol Beat after touring damage in the Augusta area. "It looked like a 250-mile-wide tornado had hit."

Nearly 600 traffic signals and 700 cellphone sites are out across the state, according to Capitol Beat. GEMA installed portable towers to handle 911 calls and shelters are currently housing 520 Georgians.

-Alexandra Koch

2 p.m. Monday – Gov. Brian Kemp makes formal request to president for major federal disaster declaration

Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday submitted a formal request for a major federal disaster declaration, which would unlock federal disaster funding for impacted families, businesses and local governments.

The request was submitted after Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) completed disaster assessments across the state. If approved, a range of federal assistance programs would be available in the counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, including funds for both impacted individuals and public infrastructure.

Gov. Kemp requested public assistance for the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, DeKalb, Dodge, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Fayette, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Gwinnett, Hancock, Henry, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Seminole, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth.

Gov. Kemp also requested individual assistance for the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Bryan, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, and Wayne.

"We write to convey full support for Governor Brian Kemp’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the counties in the State of Georgia significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene,"Sen. Jon Ossoff and Georgia's congressional delegation wrote to President Biden."We encourage your team to promptly consider Governor Kemp's request for a major disaster declaration, and we stand ready to work with you and your Administration to support these critical recover efforts in Georgia."

Kemp also requested the president use his discretion under Section 403 and Section 407 of the Stafford Act to increase the federal cost share of the eligible costs associated with Hurricane Helene.

Click hereto read the delegation’s letter.

President Biden approved South Carolina's declaration earlier in the day, according to previous reporting.

-Alexandra Koch

1:50 p.m. Monday – Aiken County coroner updates Helene-related deaths

Aiken County Coroner Daryl Ables updated the list of Hurricane Helene-related deaths to include a man who died from a medical emergency and a women who died from a house fire.

The six total deaths include:

-Alexandra Koch

11:30 a.m. Monday – Trash collection delayed in Augusta, where to put debris

Trash collection is delayed in Augusta, due to road conditions.

As residents begin clearing debris, they should place it on their curbs, according to a news release from the city.

The landfill hours are 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Landfills will accept up to five bags of trash per household at no charge.

-Alexandra Koch

11:15 a.m. Monday – President Biden approves major disaster declaration for South Carolina

President Joe Biden recently approved a major disaster declaration for South Carolina, allowing the state to use federal disaster assistance in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Federal funding is now available to affected individuals in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties, according to a news release from FEMA.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, according to the release. Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using theFEMA App. If using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

-Alexandra Koch

10:30 a.m. Monday – Morgan & Morgan hosts supply, food pick up in Augusta

Morgan & Morgan will be distributing supplies and providing a hot foodMonday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.at the law firm's office, 2743 Perimeter Pkwy Bldg. 100, Augusta.

The team will be providing items including clothing, blankets, toiletries, socks and diapers, while supplies last, according to Morgan & Morgan.

-Alexandra Koch

10:15 a.m. Monday – Augustans share photos of Helene damages

Augusta Chronicle readers shared photos of damage from Hurricane Helene.

Photos, contributed by Richmond, Columbia and Aiken county residents, show trees piercing through interior ceilings, crushed cars and downed power lines.

To share photos or videos of storm damage, email The Chronicle at akoch@gannett.com.

-Alexandra Koch

9 a.m. Monday – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to visit Augusta

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will visit Augusta to assess damage, cleanup and provide an update with emergency management officials.

For more information and how to watch, read more HERE.

8:30 a.m. Monday – Edgar's Above Broad open, offering free charging

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Edgar’s Above Broad is offering charging stations for the community from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday.

"We've got space for you to charge your devices, and while our menu is limited, you can still enjoy some of your favorites," according to a news release from the restaurant.

Edgar's will also have outdoor games, including corn hole and bocce ball, for locals to enjoy.

-Alexandra Koch

8 a.m. Monday – Georgia Power by the numbers

As Georgia Power crews stretch across the Augusta area to restore power, on Sunday the utility released some interesting stats to highlight the scale of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Helene.

As reported on the utilities website, initial damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:

• 5,000+ power polesthat must be repaired or replaced
• 9,000+ spans of wireequivalent to an estimated 425 miles
• 500+ transformers
• 1,500+ treeson power linesthat must be removed or addressed to restore power

9 p.m. Sunday – Augusta officials announce water, meal distribution schedule

Augusta officials late Sunday announced water and food would be distributed Monday.

Here's when and where to pick yours up:

• 8 a.m. – Water distribution at the Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair St., Augusta
• 10 a.m. – Emergency meals and water at Southgate Plaza, 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta
• 12 p.m. – Emergency meals at Southgate Plaza, 1631 Gordon Hwy., Augusta

-Alexandra Koch

8:15 p.m. Sunday – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office closes administrative building, detention center to the public

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday night it is closing its administrative building and the Charles B. Webster Detention Center to the public, due to the power outage caused by Hurricane Helene.

The closure will be in effect “until further notice,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

-Alexandra Koch

8 p.m. Sunday – School closings in Columbia, Richmond counties

Schools had already started announcing closures right beforeHurricane Helenecame to the Augusta area. But the storm’s impact has rippled across the entire community, including the classrooms.

Read here for the latest announcements regarding school openings, closings, and other academic operations around the area: READ HERE

7 p.m. Sunday – Columbia County announces curfew Sunday

Columbia County implemented a curfew for all Columbia County residents beginning Sunday at 8 p.m. and lasting until 8 a.m. Monday.

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

"This 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 power lines with community partners from the major thoroughfares throughout the county," according to the release.

Richmond County's curfew remains in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, until further notice, according to previous reporting.

-Alexandra Koch

5:55 p.m. Sunday – Richmond, Columbia counties among top three on list of Georgia Power customers still without electricity

The latest Georgia Power outage figures, provided by Dataminr, show thousands still in need of power restoration following the devastation inflicted on the Augusta area by Hurricane Helene.

The following list shows the number of affected Georgia Power customers in at least a portion of the state broken down by county:

• Richmond County, GA: 76,243
• Chatham County, GA: 70,239
• Columbia County, GA: 65,497
• Lowndes County, GA: 27,869
• Glynn County, GA: 16,569
• Effingham County, GA: 15,492
• Ware County, GA: 12,933
• Bulloch County, GA: 9,227
• Toombs County, GA: 7,357
• Liberty County, GA: 6,126

5:40 p.m. Sunday – Columbia County offering assistance with removing yard debris

Columbia County has contracted with a company to remove yard debris generated by Hurricane Helene.

"Do not place it in bags; only include yard debris; place it beside the road and do not block any roadways or driveways," the county noted in a news release.

The county also is compiling a list of volunteers to help residents with debris removal. For those in need of help, the county said they should call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386.For the Red Cross, call 1-800-733-2767.

"For individuals that have damage to their homes that are uninsured GEMA and Governor (Brian) Kemp have requested an EXPEDITED DECLARATION from FEMA, so you can reach out directly for assistance with any home damage," noted the news release.

4:40 p.m. Sunday – Mayor Johnson updates power, water in Augusta

Mayor Garnett Johnson on Sunday provided an update for the water and power outages in Augusta.

”We’re going to ask that you just be patient. These things don’t happen overnight,” Johnson said. “We will get through this.”

Read more HERE.

3:50 p.m. Sunday – Roundup of energy company reports on power outages in Augusta area

Energy providers for the Augusta area that are not Georgia Power recently provided updates on the number of their customers still without electrical service.

According to Dataminr, these are the most recent figures broken down by customers without power in their counties of residence.

Jefferson Energy:

• Richmond County, GA: 12,169
• McDuffie County, GA: 5,245
• Jefferson County, GA: 4,648
• Columbia County, GA: 3,706
• 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

Dominion Energy:

• Aiken County, SC: 44,931
• Richland County, SC: 22,698
• Lexington County, SC: 20,307
• Beaufort County, SC: 6,654
• Edgefield County, SC: 6,257
• Saluda County, SC: 4,115
• Hampton County, SC: 3,463
• Newberry County, SC: 2,207
• Jasper County, SC: 2,158
• Allendale County, SC: 1,705

Planters Electric:

• Burke County, GA: 5,679
• Screven County, GA: 5,640
• Jenkins County, GA: 2,055
• Effingham County, GA: 1,142
• Richmond County, GA: 103
• Bulloch County, GA: 89
• Emanuel County, GA: 52

3:30 p.m. Sunday – Looting 'widespread issue' in Augusta, RCSO warns of unlicensed gas sellers

Numerous locals reported being accosted Sunday by private citizens selling gas while waiting in long car lines for fuel stations.

Richmond County Sheriff's Office Capt. Danny Whitehead told The Chronicle it is not legal to sell gas without a business license.

"The only ones right now who should be selling gas are those businesses who have already been selling gasoline with business licenses to sell gasoline," Whitehead said.

He added those who are offered gas should not purchase from these unlicensed sellers because the type of gas is unknown and could damage vehicles.

"One of those things we have to worry about is where that gas is coming from," Whitehead said. "Currently we are having to patrol parking lots, like hospitals, because people go into these parking lots and are siphoning gas – stealing it out of people's cars while they're working. The gas they're selling on the street, you have to ask yourself, 'Where are they getting it?'"

He added RCSO is patrolling the community, with the help of Georgia State Patrol and the National Guard, to crack down on thefts and the now "widespread issue" of looting.

"We ask everybody to stay home, be patient, and wait until these gas stations come online," Whitehead said. "Every day we are improving and we foresee, by tomorrow or the next day, the number [of gas stations open] will double."

-Alexandra Koch

2:15 p.m. Sunday – FEMA gives update on Augusta damage, outages

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told The Chronicle on Sunday that FEMA is assessing challenges Augustans are facing and is prepared to offer assistance with water, generators and other supplies.

"We have a federal coordinating officer that's based out of Atlanta working with the state team to better understand the issues and the challenges that are up there," Criswell said in a phone call with The Chronicle at about 2 p.m. Sunday. "We are moving and we will move resources to help them with some of the problems they're facing."

Criswell added FEMA officials are in touch with Augusta officials to ensure local hospitals and other critical buildings are provided the resources they need.

FEMA confirmed it has an official on the ground, to help relay the most current data and concerns.

-Alexandra Koch

2 p.m. Sunday – Aiken County rescinds curfew, Columbia County schools extend closures

Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt announced Sunday he is revoking the county-wide curfew.

"We urge that citizens and visitors stay off the roads with unnecessary travel," according to a news release from the sheriff's office."Those who choose to travel, take your time and be courteous to other motoring public."

The Columbia County School District on Sunday announced it is extending school closures through "at least" Friday, based on recent reports and "anticipated long-term outages," according to a news release.

"We will continue to provide updates in the coming days, as quickly as possible, regarding the state of our schools," according to the release. "This includes staff options for returning to work in a safe manner, as well as updates on plans for makeup athletic events and other student activities.

"Meanwhile, please continue to remain safe during clean-up efforts. This type of traumatic event is hard on us all, especially our children. With that in mind, keep focusing on your families, loved ones, and those who may be in need."

-Alexandra Koch

12:45 p.m. Sunday – Water distribution at Augusta Municipal Building

The Richmond County Marshal's Office and Augusta Fire Department, along with Commissioner Jordan Johnson, were distributing water Sunday afternoon to Richmond County residents in response to a county-wide water outage.

Richmond County Marshal’s Office Chief Deputy Bill Probus said as of 11:30 a.m., he estimates they gave out cases of water to several thousand people.

The county had about 30 palettes filled with cases of water in the morning, with another shipment expected later in the afternoon, according to Probus.

"[As of] right now, we're going to do this every day," he said. "We're just making do with what we have right now."

Each household can pick up one case of water at the Municipal Building, located at 535 Telfair St., Augusta. Distribution is from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

-Alexandra Koch

11 a.m. Sunday – Aiken County coroner releases identities of 4 killed by trees downed by Helene

The Aiken County Coroner's Office on Sunday released more information about the four people killed by trees in Aiken County on Friday morning, as Hurricane Helene pummeled the area.

• Joseph Gullen, 70, 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 bed and breakfast 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, on the 300 block of Church Road in Beech Island, landing on the couple.

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

-Alexandra Koch

10:30 a.m. Sunday – 'We're in a crisis here,' Augustans without power concerned about keeping insulin chilled

Power is slowly being restored in Aiken County by Dominion Energy, but more than 127,000 Richmond and Columbia County residents with Georgia Power service are still in the dark.

As of 10:15 a.m. Sunday, more than 127,000 customers are without power in Augusta, according to Georgia Power’s outage map.

Nearly 46,000 customers in Aiken County are without power, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map.

Caroline Hevlich, who lives near Aumond Road in Augusta, said the only thing she was concerned about during the storm was keeping her family safe.

"We were going room to room, thinking about where trees could fall [on the house," Hevlich said Saturday morning, pointing to large tree branches sprawled across her roof.

But now, the ability to keep her 11-year-old diabetic daughter’s insulin cold, without power, is her biggest concern.

"I have eight months of insulin that I’m trying to keep cold," Hevlich said. "I’ve texted our doctor to see if we can take it to the hospital and keep it there, but I get [more insulin] Saturday and [the employees at the doctor’s office are] not working."

While the family had ice, as of Saturday morning, they did not have power to keep it chilled.

"We have ice and that’s what [the insulin we have] is on now, but the gas stations without power don’t have ice because it melted," she said. "I can keep it going for a little bit, but I don’t know how long. We also don’t have enough gas to get [to stations that are open with power]. … We’re in a crisis here."

-Alexandra Koch

10:10 a.m. Sunday – Augusta announces water distribution location

The City of Augusta announced it is distributing water Sunday to Richmond County residents in response to a county-wide water outage.

Each household will receive one case of water, available for pick up at the Municipal Building at 535 Telfair St., Augusta, according to officials.

Distribution is from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

It is unclear how many cases of water are available.

-Alexandra Koch

10 a.m. Sunday – Coroner releases identities in Helene-related Augusta deaths

Editor's note: This blog entry has been updated to reflect changes made by the Richmond County Coroner's Office on Sept. 30.

The Richmond County Coroner's Office has released more information about the eight people killed Friday in Augusta by fallen trees.

According to the coroner's office, the victims include:

• Stephen Donehoo, 72, and Izaak Donehoo, 10, were pronounced dead at a home on the 5100 block of Old Waynesboro Road after a tree fell on the house.
• Katherine McCall, 62, was pronounced dead at a home on the 2200 block of Morningside Drive after a tree fell on the house.
• Uyen Xuan Le, 36, was pronounced dead at a home on the 2100 block of Lake Avenue after a tree fell on house.
• Daverio Carter, 50, was pronounced dead at a home on the 3300 block of Wedgewood Drive after a tree fell on the house.
• Andrea Warner, 62, was pronounced dead at a home on the 4500 block of Windsor Spring Road after a tree fell on the house.
• Caffee Wright, 52, was pronounced dead on the 3500 block of Mike Padgett Highway. Wright was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Mike Padgett Highway when the vehicle struck a tree.
• A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Washington Road at Alexander Drive and later pronounced dead at Wellstar MCG. The person’s identity has not yet been released.

-Alexandra Koch

9:15 a.m. Sunday – Long lines form at GasPlus in North Augusta, Costco in Augusta

Long lines have formed at the GasPlus on Georgia Avenue in downtown North Augusta and the Costco off of River Watch Parkway in Augusta.

There are very few gas stations open in the Augusta area following Hurricane Helene's arrival, prompting locals' rush to buy fuel.

As of 9 a.m. Sunday, the car line at Costco has extended all the way around Cabela's, River Watch Cinemas, Topgolf and nearby apartment complexes, Argento at River Watch and The Residence.

It is nearly impossible to drive down River Watch Parkway or Top Golf Way due to the traffic.

Locals have reported driving hours to Atlanta, Athens and Macon to secure fuel, due to shortages in the Augusta area.

-Alexandra Koch

8:45 a.m. Sunday – GoFundMe pages set up

Several GoFundMe pages have popped up for those in need, including a Hurricane Relief Fund by the company itself.

"Your donation will ensure this fund can support as many people as possible as soon as a disaster strikes," the campaign's description said. "We send critical cash grants directly to people who need help within 24 hours following a hurricane."

Several in Augusta are looking to rebuild after Hurricane Helene, including the Marchi family after a tornado destroyed their home.

Read more HERE.

-Ryne Dennis

8:40 a.m. Sunday – Augusta city release about water outage

8:30 a.m. Sunday – Augusta impacted by water outage

"Our teams have been working around the clock to repair our infrastructure," according to the city. "We are taking all necessary steps to restore water services as quickly and safely as possible. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. ... We are working closely with emergency services and local partners to monitor the situation and provide safe drinking water alternatives until normal services are restored."

The outage is expected to affect all of Augusta and Richmond County, with service anticipated to be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to officials.

Read more HERE

-Ryne Dennis

7:45 a.m. Sunday – Kroger on Washington Road without gas, propane

Employees with the Kroger on Washington Road confirmed at 7:40 a.m. Sunday the store does not have any gas or propane.

The store is letting in 10 to 20 people at a time, according to Augusta Chronicle reporters at the store.

Augusta Utilities announced just after 7 a.m. Sunday a water outage due to impacts of Hurricane Helene, blocking the city's ability to pump water.

The outage is expected to affect all of Augusta and Richmond County, with service anticipated to be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to officials.

-Alexandra Koch

8:30 p.m. Saturday – Georgia Power announces the earliest Augusta will regain power is Oct. 5

Georgia Power on Saturday night provided a date power will likely be restored in Augusta.

The company predicts the earliest power will be restored on Oct. 5 at 11:45 p.m., more than a week after the storm barreled through the area.

"These [estimated power restoration times] are not a guess, but represent the most accurate estimate that we can make based on our in-the-field assessments," according to a news release from Georgia Power. "We will make every effort to beat these estimates and return power sooner than expected."

The estimated date follows a news release sent out Friday by the Columbia County School District, which said it was notified power may not return for "at least a week," The Chronicle previously reported.

The company also noted the storm and its damages were unprecedented.

"As the first full day of restoration progressed today, we have determined that Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power history, damaging infrastructure across the state," according to the release.

-Alexandra Koch

7:15 p.m. Saturday – 1,000 Georgia Power linemen and 175 National Guard troops arrive in Augusta, resources announced

Georgia Power deployed 1,000 linemen to Richmond County, who began work early Saturday, according to Augusta Fire Chief and EMA director Antonio Burden.

In addition, 175 National guard troops were on the ground in Augusta Saturday clearing debris.

The city announced it will begin providing meals at Paine College and is working with the Red Cross and United Way to secure food and water donations.

GEMA is also assisting in providing bulk resources to the city. Distribution centers will be at the following locations: Diamond Lakes, Augusta Municipal Building and Southgate Plaza.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your resilience, your patience and cooperation during this difficult time," Burden said. "Please continue to look out for one another. ... Together we will overcome this and restore our community – bigger and better."

-Alexandra Koch

6:25 p.m. Saturday – Augusta 311 phone lines 'at capacity,' closing at 9 p.m.

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

5:45 p.m. Saturday – A list of businesses, gas stations open in Richmond, Columbia, Aiken counties following Helene

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 Sunday morning.

Gas

• BP on Wheeler Road in Augusta
• Mobil on Wheeler Road in Augusta
• Costco off River Watch Parkway in Augusta
• Pilot on River Watch Parkway in Augusta
• Gas Plus on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta
• Parker's Kitchen on Jefferson Davis Highway in North Augusta
• Circle K on Georgia Avenue 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.

12 p.m. Saturday – Here's where to get gas in the Augusta area

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

9:15 a.m. Saturday – Power outages hold steady in Augusta area

More than 220,000 people remain without power 24 hours after Hurricane 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

9:25 p.m. Friday – Columbia County schools 'notified' power may not be restored to facilities for 'at least a week'

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

7 p.m. Friday – Columbia, Richmond, Aiken counties announce curfew for residents

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

5:45 p.m. Friday – Augusta, Aiken area power outages

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

5:20 p.m. Friday – Richmond, Aiken counties announce at least 9 Helene-related deaths

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 Hurricane 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

1 p.m. Friday – Update on Augusta, Aiken area power outages

Hurricane 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

12 p.m. Friday – Augusta drivers disregard safety warnings, cause chaos on dangerous roads

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 Hurricane 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 Hurricane 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

6:20 a.m. Friday – Augusta Fire asks locals to stay off the roads

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

5:50 a.m. Friday – Flash flood warning issued for Martinez, Evans, Grovetown

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

- Alexandra Koch

5:45 a.m. Friday – Augusta faces hurricane-force wind gusts

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

5:30 a.m. Friday – More than 140,000 without power in Columbia, Richmond, Aiken counties

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

5:15 a.m. Friday – Columbia County announces road closures

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.

"Donot dial 911 for power outages," according to county officials. "Please reserve 911 calls for emergencies."

- Alexandra Koch

6 p.m. Thursday – Hurricane Helene: The latest weather forecast in Augusta

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

3:30 p.m. Thursday – Power outages pick up in Augusta

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

3:10 p.m. Thursday – Augusta residents pick up sandbags from the city

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

3 p.m. Thursday – Flash flood warning issued for Martinez, Evans, North Augusta

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

2:30 p.m. Thursday – List of Augusta grocery stores still open during Hurricane Helene

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

1:30 p.m. Thursday – Columbia County announces school closures

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.

9:45 a.m. Thursday – Flooding prompts road closures in Columbia County

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

9:30 a.m. Thursday – Tornado watch issued for Augusta area

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

9 a.m. Thursday – Flood advisory issued for Augusta area

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

8:10 a.m. Thursday – Tornado warning issued for Evans, Edgefield, Clarks Hill

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

8 a.m. Thursday – Augusta area schools announce closures, cancellations

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 emailakoch@gannett.com.

- Alexandra Koch

7:45 a.m. Thursday – Local forecast in Augusta, as of 5 a.m. Thursday

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