By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Damage being assessed post-Irma
Marina
Fort McAllister Marina sustained damage from the wind and waves of Hurricane Irma. - photo by Ted O'Neil

Power crews, first responders and clean-up crews were out and about across Bryan County assessing damage and trying to restore electrical power after tropical storm force winds caused by Hurricane Irma passed through the area Monday morning.

"This isn't as bad compared to Hurricane Matthew, but we still have a lot of clean up to do and a few streets that are flooded," Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler said. "We're asking people to stay off the streets for their safety and so that crews can access roads."

Pembroke Public Safety Director Bill Collins echoed those sentiments, saying North Bryan County sustained damage, with a lot of tree limbs down and a few houses with trees on them.

Highway 144, for example, was closed Monday afternoon near Publix due to two large trees leaning against power lines.

Fowler said Richmond Hill did not plan on implementing a curfew tonight as it did Sunday night, but reminded people that Gov. Deal's mandatory evacuation remains in place.

"If people come back, they can't be sure they'll be able to get to their homes or if they'll have power," Fowler said. "We want people to stay off the streets and let us do our job faster and easier."

Fish Tales sustained flooding and the adjoining Fort McAllister Marina was badly damaged, with docks and walkways broken apart. Mulberry Drive and the Live Oak subdivision both sustained flooding, as did Mill Hill Road. 

A power pole on Highway 144 at Ogeechee Road was snapped and a tree was blocking that entrance to the Strathy Hall subdivision.

"It happened about 7:30 this morning," said Dan Collins, who lives on Ogeechee Road a few houses off of Highway 144. "The wires were bouncing up and down and the transformer blew. Then a tree fell across the lines and just broke the pole."

Thousands of Bryan County customers remained without power Monday afternoon. Coastal Electric, Georgia Power and Canoochee EMC all have outage maps on their websites.

Bryan County Schools will remain closed through Wednesday at minimum.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters