Based on updates from the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, and Bryan County Emergency Services and due to anticipated impacts tonight and early Thursday morning from Hurricane Idalia, Bryan County Schools will remain closed Thursday, August 31. Students will return to school Friday, September 1.
Earlier reports:
Due to Hurricane Idalia, the U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended mail delivery and retail operations for locations beginning with ZIP Codes 313, 314, 315, and 316 until further notice. They will continue to monitor weather conditions and will restore service when it is safe to do so.
There has been a change to the operational plan for the Coastal Health District in response to Hurricane Idalia. In coordination with other governmental offices and to allow time for facility assessments, all clinics and offices of the Coastal Health District will be closed all day on Thursday, Aug. 31. This includes the health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties.
The district’s two drive-through COVID testing sites in Savannah and Hinesville will also be closed Thursday. Anyone with a clinic appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.
As Hurricane Idalia makes its way across southern and coastal Georgia, the Coastal Health District encourages all residents and visitors to stay informed about the changing conditions and any recommendations from emergency managers. Please visit bit.ly/CHD-EmergencyAlertApps to see some of the available emergency messaging services in our area.
Hurricane Idalia has made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. The earliest expected impact from winds is at 2 p.m. today. Bryan County is now under a Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning, Tornado Watch, and Flood Watch. Flooding in low lying areas due to storm surge is also a strong possibility. If you live in low-lying areas consider moving to higher ground. High tides and a supermoon will also contribute to flooding. Tornadoes and power outages are also possible due to high winds.
A tornado warning for Richmond Hill, Keller and Burroughs expired at 11 a.m.
Bryan County has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of potential impacts of Hurricane Idalia. In the event of hurricane damage, the emergency declaration allows the Bryan County Board of Commissioners to have the necessary tools to respond quickly and ensure a speedy recovery. This also allows the County to request state resources such as equipment and money for response and recovery, if necessary. The state has also declared a state of emergency.
Bryan County Schools are closed for Wednesday, August 30, and will reassess conditions for Thursday. Bryan County Government, the City of Pembroke and the City of Richmond Hill administrative offices are closed on Wednesday.. Public Safety will remain on duty throughout the storm. Bryan County Animal Control will be answering emergency calls only. Bryan County Parks and Recreation practices and games are cancelled for Wednesday.
Atlantic Waste will start can pickup in Bryan County earlier than normal on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Sandbags and sand are available at the Black Creek Convenience Center and the Bryan County Public Works building on Fort McAlister Road.
All SouthCoast Health practices and urgent care clinics will be closed from noon Wednesday, August 30 through noon Thursday, August 31. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the local hospital emergency room. If you have a non-urgent concern that requires attention, SouthCoast Health’s answering service will be available to provide assistance.
All clinics and offices of the Coastal Health District will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29 and remain closed until 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31. This includes the health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. The district’s two drive-through COVID testing sites in Savannah and Hinesville will be closed Wednesday. Anyone with a clinic appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.
Due to anticipated high winds entering the area, the Georgia Department of Transportation will remove a temporary signalized intersection near the Hyundai construction entrance on U.S. Route 280/State Route 30. The portable signal setup rests a short distance from the Interstate 16 exit between Aspen Lane and Olive Branch Road. Georgia DOT will confirm the reinstallation date when available.
Richmond Hill and Pembroke city offices as well as Bryan County governmental offices will be closed on Wednesday.