Scroll down for your county. This page will collect storm info, closings, preparation updates from Coastal Georgia counties due to Hurricane Milton. Please send any questions or info to staff@thecurrentga.org.
Updates for Hurricane Milton will be posted here as county emergency managers post information. As of 6 p.m. Monday, Major Hurricane Milton is currently classified as a Category 5 hurricane and is undergoing rapid intensification, with peak winds reaching 180 mph and the pressure dropping to 905 millibars. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is still forecast to remain a major hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida and crosses to the Atlantic Ocean, sending wind and rain north into Coastal Georgia.
Glynn County
For up-to-date emergency notifications from Glynn Emergency Management, sign up for its text alert system at this link. Follow Hurricane Milton updates for Glynn residents at this link.
Thursday 9:21 a.m.:
Milton has moved offshore to the east of the Florida peninsula and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Expected Impacts to Glynn County:
- The Tropical Storm Warning for Glynn County remains in place.
- The coastal area of Glynn County, including Saint Simons Island, is under a Flood Watch. This is expected to reach peak concern at high tide on Thursday between 2 pm and 3 pm with the potential for a flood surge of three to five feet. Flood potential is greatest in areas prone to flooding, such as those affected by hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Nicole. Flooding and tidal surge could also impact the Torras causeway.
- As Milton weakens, its wind field expands, which may contribute to the tidal surge threat.
Citizens who see storm damage may report it to County or City Public Works by calling 912-554-7111. Citizens can also see damage reports and report storm damage by downloading the “See Click Fix” app on the Glynn County home page at www.GlynnCounty.org.
Glynn County Schools will be closed on Thursday, Oct 10. All after-school and extracurricular activities scheduled for that day are canceled. Schools will remain closed to students on Friday, Oct 11 (Teacher Work Day) and Monday, Oct 14 for Fall Break. Classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, Oct 15.
Wednesday 9:54 a.m:
Milton strengthened to a Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds, but is now a Category 4 at 155 mph.
Dangerous conditions will affect coastal waters starting late Wednesday night.
Wind: Glynn County could experience strong tropical storm-force winds (39-57 mph). Prepare for the earliest arrival of tropical storm-force winds now expected between 7 am and 1 pm Thursday.
As of 8 am, The NWS has coastal Glynn County under a Tropical Storm Warning with inland areas under a Tropical Storm Watch.
Rainfall & Flooding: Heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding.
Storm Surge: Coastal areas should brace for potential storm surge of 3-5 feet above ground level (AGL), especially in areas prone to flooding (e.g., those affected by hurricanes Matthew, Irma, and Nicole).
Tuesday 8:39 p.m.:
The NWS has upgraded the Storm Surge Watch over southeast Georgia, including Glynn County, to a Storm Surge Warning.
The latest NWS forecast predicts that Milton’s impact on Glynn County will include tropical storm force winds between 39-57 mph likely beginning early Thursday at approximately 8 a.m., moderate flooding and rain (4-6 inches), and a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet.
Glynn County Schools will remain open on Wednesday, Oct. 9, but all extracurricular activities and after-school programs will conclude by 7 p.m.
All programming at Marshes of Glynn Libraries starting Wednesday is cancelled. This includes all story times, SSI yoga, SSI legos, Strummers practice, BWK tai chi, BWK sip and stitch, ESL, BWK scrabble, the silent book club, and genealogy. All programming will resume on Monday, 10/14/24.
Jekyll Island Authority reports that hotels are around 90% occupied every night through Sunday. Many hotels report that many of their initial cancellations have already been filled with bookings from Florida evacuees.
Tuesday 10: 11 a.m.:
As of Tuesday at 9am, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued updates regarding Major Hurricane Milton, with expected impacts to Glynn County beginning Thursday morning.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Wind and Storm Surge Warnings have been issued for the coastal areas of Florida and the St. Johns River counties. The storm is currently a category 4 storm with 145 mph winds and is strengthening. The system is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane and then traverse the Florida Peninsula, gradually expanding during its passage.
The system will transition to a wintertime-like low off the coast, which has several ramifications:
- The wind field will begin to expand, with peak winds shifting to the northwest quadrant, which is contrary to what the National Weather Service (NWS) typically expects from a tropical system.
- Despite the storm accelerating away, marine conditions are expected to remain hazardous for an extended period.
Glynn County is currently under a Storm Surge Watch. The latest NWS forecast calls for impacts on Glynn County to include tropical storm force winds between 39-57 mph likely beginning early Thursday between 3am and 9am; moderate flooding and rain (4-6 inches); and a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet.
Monday, 9:25 p.m.:
As of Monday, Oct 7, 2024, at 6 PM, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued updates regarding Major Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact Glynn County starting this Wednesday.
Expected Impacts to Glynn County:
- Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for the following counties in Southeast Georgia: Charlton, Brantley, Wayne, Glynn, and Camden.
- A Flood Watch is still in effect for portions of Northeast Florida, North Central Florida, and Southeast Georgia.
- Storm Surge Watches have been issued for the coastal areas of Southeast Georgia, coastal Northeast Florida, and for the St. Johns River Basin, with peak storm surge values expected to reach 3 to 5 feet.
There is a risk of storm surge along the local Atlantic coast, Intracoastal Waterway, Trout River, and within the St. Johns River, with the peak storm surge anticipated to occur on Wednesday night into early Thursday.
Monday, 4:15 p.m.:
The City of Brunswick and Glynn Couty are providing sand and sandbags (while supplies last) at four locations beginning today, where residents can pick up sand to help with storm preparedness. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags and bring their own bags if they have them. Sandbags are limited in supply.
Free sand and sandbags will be available beginning Tuesday morning at four locations:
- Fire Station #3 at 3129 4th Street, Brunswick
- Brunswick Public Works Yard, 204 Old Jesup Road ( only open until 3pm )
- North end of parking lot of Harold Pate Building, 1735 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
- St. Simons Island Fire/Police/Public Works Substation near the airport ( Demere & Old Demere Rd )
Sunday, Oct. 6, 4 p.m.: On Sunday, Oct. 6, leaders from Glynn County and the City of Brunswick met to evaluate the situation regarding Hurricane Milton. The meeting included a briefing from the National Weather Service Jacksonville Bureau (NWS), which outlined the latest forecast and the expected impact of the storm.
Hurricane Milton was officially upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane at 2:00 PM on Sunday.
Residents in Glynn County are encouraged to sign up for the CodeRed Emergency Alert System. The information provided during enrollment remains private and is only used for emergency communication purposes. To sign up for emergency alerts, please visit the Glynn County EMA website: https://www.glynncounty.org/671/CodeRED
Residents can also follow the county’s dedicated weather page for Hurricane Milton, for the most up to date information.
Key Points from the NWS briefing:
Glynn County could experience tropical storm force winds, with gusts between 30-40 mph likely starting on Wednesday morning.
Heavy Rainfall Potential:
The persistent onshore flow and fronts associated with Tropical Storm Milton will likely bring periods of heavy rainfall to Glynn County beginning as early as Wednesday.
Be prepared for urban and coastal flooding in low-lying areas and follow local advisories.
If you experienced flooding during Matthew, Irma, or Nicole, Hurricane Milton will likely bring similar conditions.
River Flooding in Southeast Georgia:
Areas along the Altamaha and Satilla rivers will likely experience flooding, particularly around mid-week.
Marine and Surf Zone Hazards:
High rip current risks and rough surf conditions will likely persist through the week.
A Small Craft Advisory is expected to be issued on Monday or Tuesday due to gusty onshore winds.
Camden
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.
Camden County Offices are CLOSED Wednesday Oct. 9-Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Government offices will resume normal hours and operations on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, weather and conditions permitting.
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Camden County officials have amended the Local State of Emergency to extend recovery efforts.
Vulnerable Population Sheltering: A shelter of last resort will be available for residents who live in flood-prone areas, regions vulnerable to high wind, and those who are considered vulnerable due to medical conditions, self-care needs, or age.
- Location: PSA Building, 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland
- Opening Time: 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024
- Supplies Provided: Cots, meals, and basic medical supplies
- Who Should Attend: Vulnerable populations, including those with medical needs, self-care difficulties, elderly individuals, and citizens who live in flood-prone areas, and/or regions vulnerable to high winds
- What to Bring: Medications, personal identification, basic supplies for children and pets, blankets, and essential personal items
Sunday, Oct. 6, 4 p.m.:
Camden County EMA Facebook: Hurricane Milton is expected to move east to northeast, approaching Florida’s peninsula and west coast by mid-week. There is still some uncertainty in the forecast.
Residents are advised to stay updated by following reliable sources such as the US National Weather Service Jacksonville, Florida and NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center for information. It’s important to be prepared to follow local alerts.
To receive alerts, you can sign up for the CodeRED Emergency Notification System by visiting www.camdencountyga.gov/CodeRED or texting “CamdenCodeRED” to 99411.
McIntosh County
From the Darien News, Monday, Oct. 7:
McIntosh County officials are monitoring Hurricane Milton and its potential impacts for McIntosh County expected Wednesday/Thursday, Oct. 9/10.
Rain, coastal flooding: As of Monday morning, Oct. 7, it is anticipated that McIntosh County will experience tropical storm conditions with significant coastal flooding.
Portions of coastal Southeast Georgia could receive 2-3 inches of rain, with amounts as high as 4-6 inches, primarily in McIntosh County.
Sandbag stations had been replenished and are open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sandbag locations:
- City Public Works Office behind Bluestein Shopping Center
- Townsend Water Tower
- Cox Fire Station
- Blount Crossing Well Site
- Overpass at Jones Road
- Crescent Water Tower
- White Chimney Boat Ramp
- Harris Neck Fire Station
Chatham County
Sign up for county emergency alerts here.
Wednesday, 8:20 p.m.
From Savannah State Univbersity: Savannah State University will transition to remote learning on Thursday, Oct. 10 through Friday, Oct. 11. Residence halls will remain open, and dining services will be modified.
SSU dining services will have limited hours and locations open on Thursday, . King Frazier will be open for full-service breakfast between the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. It is requested that all students pick up to-go dining options by 11 a.m. in King Frazier to accommodate their lunch and dinner for Thursday which will allow students time to return to their residence safely.
The SSU emergency management team is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and conducting formal check-ins multiple times daily to assess new information. The University will provide another update Thursday afternoon, immediately following the morning briefing. Updates will also be posted at https://savannahstateuniversitynews.blogspot.com/ and on the university’s official social media channels. If there are any changes before then, we will promptly notify you so you can make any necessary preparations.
Wednesday, Noon:
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency reports these tips and potential impacts for Chatham County:
• Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for the county.
• Arriving Thursday, possible sustained winds of 20-35 mph with gusts 35-40 mph inland and sustained winds 30-40 mph with gusts 40-50 mph on the coast.
• Coastal flooding is likely Thursday. Highway 80 near Ft. Pulaski and the Burnside Island Causeway may close for a brief period of time.
• Bring in or secure outdoor objects to prevent damage including debris from Hurricane Helene.
• Restock your emergency supply kit. Check ChathamEmergency.org for a list of recommended items.
• Get ready for possible power outages, as strong winds and falling trees may impact power lines.
Tuesday, 6 p.m.:
From Savannah-Chatham public schools: SCCPSS will shift to an asynchronous E-Learning Day for students and a remote workday for staff on Thursday, October 10, 2024. On Thursday, students will work independently to complete assignments and teachers will be available to assist remotely as conditions allow. Students will receive additional guidance from their teachers on E-Learning assignments. No student will be penalized for inability to participate in the E-Learning Day should this weather event impact power or connectivity. Should this occur, extended or alternative opportunities to complete assignments will be provided to ensure students are marked present.
Liberty County
Wednesday, 4:03 p.m
Liberty County is under a Tropical Storm Warning until further notice from the National Weather Service. Because area rivers are not expected to hit flood stage, the storm surge watch has been dropped from Edisto, S.C. to the Altamaha River. Light showers are possible this evening closer to the coast and offshore, growing heavier towards McIntosh County overnight. Dangerous seas are creating life-threatening conditions for small craft. Tropical storm-force winds are possible Thursday, especially closer to the coast. Expect trees and branches to fall, causing some power outages and debris on roadways.
Liberty County Emergency Management Director Bob Dodd says flooding is not expected to affect Liberty County during Hurricane Milton.
Liberty County Schools have canceled classes and all after-school activities for Thursday, Oct. 10, due to predicted high winds. LCSS says those winds make it dangerous for students to ride the bus. All teachers and staff should return to work Friday, Oct. 11. Students will be off Friday, Oct. 11 through Tuesday, Oct. 15 as previously scheduled.
The TSPLOST 2 presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at Savannah Tech Liberty County Campus was cancelled as a precaution. You can watch the presentation online at https://fb.watch/v6jytkls6e.
Bryan County
Thursday, Oct 10:
Bryan County Schools will close all schools on Thursday, October 10, 2024 for students and staff.
All community education classes will be canceled for Thursday, October 10, 2024. School-based athletic and extra-curricular activities will be handled by the school. Please expect communication from the schools regarding these activities.
As crews continue clearing public areas, Richmond Hill released the following guidance for debris pickup:
Place all vegetative debris CURBSIDE for easy pickup.
Vegetative debris 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 (branches, limbs, leaves, etc.)
All debris MUST BE less than 8′ long and 6″ in diameter.
Ensure piles are free of any other waste (no household trash or hazardous materials).
𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 put debris in the gutters, culverts, or storm drains. This can cause drains to back up and leads to drainage issues.
𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 block any poles, fire hydrants, mailboxes, or meters.
Wednesday, 11 a.m.
Both a tropical storm warning and a storm surge warning are in effect for Bryan County.
• Watches and Warnings: Tropical Storm Warnings & Storm Surge Watch
• Winds: Inland: Sustained winds 20-35 mph with gusts up to 40 mph
Coastal: Sustained winds 30-40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph • Storm Surge: Coastal flooding is likely.
