Sept. 28, 2022 – Tropical Edition
By now, you’ve probably seen the ever-changing computer models for Hurricane Ian. As of this writing, Ian was headed for central Florida and had not yet made up its mind about how to handle Georgia. However, it’s pretty clear that Coastal Georgia could get at least 6 to 10 inches of rain. A second landfall is likely along the coast, bringing higher storm surge tides to continue testing our resilience. Prepare for that now.
Higher tides will occur overnight and midday for the most part through the anticipated visit. Storm surge warnings are posted along the coast as far north as the Santee River in South Carolina.
Lists, maps, alerts and more
We’ve compiled emergency management information, lists and links from Coastal Georgia’s counties in a one-stop page to help you prepare for what the storm may bring.
Since storms are unpredictable, it’s a good idea to sign up for emergency alerts for your county when they are available. Here are the links:
- Chatham County Emergency Management
- Liberty County Emergency Management
- McIntosh Emergency Management
- Camden County Emergency Management
- Glynn County Emergency Management
A few notes:
- In Brunswick: Sandbags can be picked up at the following locations: Fire Station #1 at Community and Old Jesup Road; Fire Station #2 at 1929 Demere; Fire Station #4 at 3581 Frederica Road; Fire Station #6 at 3320 US Hwy 17. Also, volunteers are needed to fill sandbags at those specific fire stations.
- Glynn County, McIntosh County, Wayne County and Long County schools will be closed Thursday and Friday. Camden County schools are closed today, Thursday and Friday.
- Glynn County Commission had an emergency meeting Tuesday to immediately adopt a state of emergency just after Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for the state to run from 7 a.m. Thursday through Oct. 28.
- McIntosh County EMA is “strongly recommending” residents of Sapelo, Hird and Barbour islands evacuate for the duration of the storm. Georgia DNR has announced the last ferry from Sapelo will depart the island on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
- Savannah residents: City crews are working to clear debris from storm drains before the storm. If you know of a drain with buildup or a blockage, call 311 or report it online so crews can get to it quickly.
- Tybee Island is offering sand to residents for bagging at Memorial Park, first-come, first-served. Bags available but residents should bring a shovel. City offices there will be closed Thursday and Friday, and emergency services will be operating.
- Liberty County is offering sand and bags to fill Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Liberty County Road Department, 1079 Bacontown Road in Midway, while supplies last.
- Camden County is offering a limited number of sand and bags at 3 locations during regular business hours: 132 Royal Parkway in Kingsland; 819 Point Peter Road in St. Marys; and 1004 Bedell Old Plantation Road in Woodbine. The City of Woodbine is offering bags and sand at 1714 Bedell Ave. Bring your own shovel to each location.
- SCAD announced Tuesday evening that it would close academic and administrative buildings in Savannah Thursday and Friday.
- Cancellations for sports and other events are flowing in, so if you’ve got any plans for the weekend be sure to check before you go. Expect schools, workplaces and colleges to close or switch to remote work as forecasts for the storm’s path and timing gets tighter.
WANT TO MONITOR TIDES, STORM SURGES FROM HURRICANE IAN?
Check points along the way through sensors set up by NOAA on its Coastal Inundation Dashboard.
Link to check smart sea-level sensors in Chatham and Bryan counties, St. Mary’s and Sapelo Island.
Learn more
For expert explanations about forecasts and what’s going on, check out Chuck Watson’s blog at Enki Research or on Facebook at Enki Research.
Keep up with National Hurricane Center updates.
And, remember a few months ago when reporter Mary Landers wrote about saildrones and hurricane research through the UGA Skidaway Institute for Oceanography? Here’s a video from NOAA’s Saildrone Explorer as it took a wild ride inside Category 4 Hurricane Fiona last week.
Stay safe!
If you have feedback, questions, concerns, or just like what you see, let us know at thecurrentga@gmail.com.
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