Bryan County Schools will be closed Friday due to Tropical Storm Hermine, which could make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida later today. The National Weather Service says the storm path has shifted westward, putting Bryan County almost in the center of its cone.
The Richmond Hill at Brantley County football game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, has been cancelled. Because Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools cancelled classes and all athletic events tomorrow, the Windsor Forest at Bryan County football game also is cancelled. Neither game will be rescheduled as they are not region games.
The Richmond Hill YMCA will also be closed Friday, including Fun Club and child care.
Bryan County Emergency Management says the area is in a tropical storm warning until further notice. The National Weather Service projects the storm to arrive here mid-afternoon Friday. Rainfall of up to five inches is expected, with wind gusts of 55 mph and tides three feet above normal.
Officials suggest having flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water and portable phone chargers on hand. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has more details at www.gema.ga.gov.
Mark Bolton, vice president of communications, marketing and economic development at Coastal Electric Cooperative, said members can download their free app to view outage maps and report power outages. They can also be reached at (912) 884-3311 or (800) 421-2343. More information, including the mobile app, can be found at www.coastalelectriccooperative.com.
“All of Coastal Electric Cooperative’s crews remain on standby throughout the storm event,” Bolton said. “We conducted a desktop drill Wednesday and we feel fully prepared for the rain and expected winds.”
Bolton said people should remember to call 911 if they see downed power lines or unsafe road conditions.
Scott Allison, Richmond Hill’s assistant city manager, said public works crews have been preparing for the storm by testing generators at sewer lift stations and cleaning debris from canals and ditches.