Augusta, GA
Local roofing companies continue to see delays after Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are seeing rain for the first time in more than a month, adding more concern for those who are still dealing with structural damage after Hurricane Helene.
Local roofing companies are challenged with keeping the demand of roofing needs.
For the last month, people have been just worried about what’s in front of them on the ground with debris. But after the last couple of days, the battle is leaks on their roofs.
Roofing companies say the urgency for repairs is growing with more weather coming in the future and only having limited resources to fix it.
Tarp is becoming the new style for hundreds of people’s roofs.
Augusta resident, Susan Wyatt, says the heavy rain was the first real test for her roof after Helene. It’s a test that failed.
“We had the mop this morning and everything. Put a bucket, still can drip and drip, and it all changed the color of the ceiling again,” said Wyatt.
Wyatt says she’s not alone.
“Everybody’s trying to find the roofers and getting their houses redone. And one friend up there has got very bad damage in the back of their house,” said Wyatt.
Contractors say their workload was already overwhelming after the storm, but now it’s on another level.
“Now, homeowners are dealing with water pouring into their houses, you know. So, it’s a lot more demanding as far as it’s got to be done,” said Daniel Williams, general manager of Best Choice Roofing in Augusta.
Roofing companies like Brighter Side Roofing and Best Choice Roofing say they went from 15-20 jobs a month to now facing hundreds.
But they’re saying the biggest challenge is not having enough manpower to fulfill in-person estimates, slowing up the scheduling process.
Samuel Leverette, owner of Brighter Side Roofing, said: “A roofing company, we can come out and provide you with estimates. But a lot of times, our estimate may not coincide with what the insurance company is even going to do. So, we, come in, get in touch with your insurance company, go ahead and see exactly what they’re going to cover and not cover, and see what the price, what the cost is going to be.”
Meanwhile, Wyatt and her neighbors are hopeful things pick up down the line, so they have one less thing to worry about post-storm.
“I know the Lord will take care of it,” she said.
The roofing companies we spoke with say the average wait time for roof replacement is six to eight weeks and tarping can be done over a couple of days.
They’re asking for patience and to streamline the process by going through your insurance company first to find out what and how much they will cover with an adjustor’s summary report.
They say roof replacement costs can range anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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