Augusta, GA

WATCH LIVE: How Augusta is preparing for icy winter blast

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

WATCH LIVE: How Augusta is preparing for icy winter blast

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Preparations are underway in Augusta for winter weather that’s expected to begin Friday morning.

Augusta Fire/EMA says they are working closely with county departments and preparing for the weather forecast to impact North and Central Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

“The system is expected to bring a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, beginning Friday morning and continuing through the evening, with hazardous travel and power outages likely,” the city said in a statement.

On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, Jan. 14.

“The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the approaching winter storm, and I’m asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days,” said Kemp. “Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event.”

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Ice accumulation is anticipated north of I-20, creating dangerous road conditions and the potential for widespread power disruptions. Freezing temperatures also increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the cold, according to Augusta officials.

The Georgia Department of Transportation began active brine operations overnight which continued Thursday morning across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. They say the application of brine will continue throughout Thursday in areas expected to be the most impacted by snow accumulation, sleet and freezing rain.

Crews are working 12-hour shifts and are prioritizing treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses both north and south of and along I-20, according to the department.

Snowplow and removal crews and additional equipment will arrive Thursday and will respond in support of metro Atlanta crews when snow begins to fall, and active removal begins

City officials say the Emergency Operations Center is at Level 3 monitoring, ensuring all city departments are ready to respond.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting shelter checks, and the Marshal’s Office is on standby to assist as needed, according to officials. Augusta Utilities is protecting critical systems, issuing notices to help residents safeguard pipes, and preparing generators as well.

Augusta Engineering is pre-treating roads and preparing snow removal equipment, while Parks and Recreation is securing outdoor facilities and readying shelters for potential use.

City officials encourage you to avoid unnecessary travel and drive cautiously if travel is essential.

They also ask that you prepare homes by insulating pipes, securing outdoor items and assembling emergency kits. Check on vulnerable neighbors, and use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Shelters are available for those in need, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Garden City Rescue Mission and Augusta Rescue Mission.

At this time, officials say no ID checks will be required for shelter access.

With the forecast of potential ice accumulation across the region, there is a possibility for fallen trees and downed power lines. If you come across either, the Georgia Department of Transportation asks that you do not cross them and report them to your local authorities or 911.

They say it’s best to turn around and take an alternative route and to not try to clear tree limbs or other debris from roads as live power lines might be tangled in debris and pose a deadly hazard.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta commission delays airport bonus vote, seeks input on pickleball courts

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Press Room

Augusta commission delays airport bonus vote, seeks input on pickleball courts

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A one-time bonus for airport employees was brought up at commission Tuesday, but no decision was made.

Leaders moved to discuss the bonus at the next committee meeting on April 14.

The bonus would give airport employees up to $500 for the extra work they put in during Masters week.

Pickleball court options range from $7,500 to $540,000

Leaders also want to hear from the community about what it wants for permanent pickleball courts at Warren Road Gym.

They discussed the costs of converting the indoor gym’s tennis courts into pickleball courts or building outdoor courts.

If leaders choose the indoor option, that could cost about $7,500 for work and any repairs.

For outdoor courts, that could range from about $140,000 to about $540,000. That depends on whether the outdoor courts will be demolished and redone or just repaired.

No word on when community meetings will be held.

Augusta approves $95,000 for unbudgeted special election costs

Augusta city leaders approved nearly $95,000 in unplanned expenses to cover a special election and a runoff that were not built into this year’s budget.

The city is already working through tight finances and is now forced to dip into reserve funds as voters head to the polls.

The Board of Elections is already working with less. The office, like all city departments, faces a 5% cut this year. That means cutting back on mailers and services to stay within budget.

Commissioners approved about $95,000 to pay for the March special election and the April 7 runoff. More than $30,000 went to poll workers, with additional costs for early voting, equipment testing, security and day-of operations.

Because the election was not budgeted, that money comes from the county’s contingency fund.

“So basically what we were doing today is I mostly have been spending part of my budget to cover the special election and in anticipation of the runoff. So I needed to go back and get funds to put back into the primary account. So now we’ll continue on to pay the bills for the special election,” said Travis Doss, Richmond County Board of Elections executive director.

The funding helps the board reset after covering those unplanned costs as they quickly shift focus to what’s next. Doss said absentee ballots for the May election are already going out, with early preparations underway for the May 19 primary.

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Augusta, GA

The Masters: When it starts, how to watch, betting odds for golf's first major of 2026

Published

23 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

The Masters: When it starts, how to watch, betting odds for golf’s first major of 2026By DOUG FERGUSONAP Golf WriterThe Associated PressAUGUSTA, Ga.The Masters is almost here. The first major of the year starts April 9 at Augusta National. There’s not much change from last year except Rory McIlroy won’t

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Augusta, GA

Augusta mayoral candidates outline priorities during debate

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Augusta mayoral candidates outline priorities during debate

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Broadway Baptist Church hosted a debate Monday featuring the three candidates seeking to become Augusta’s next mayor.

Candidates Lori Myles, Steven Kendrick and Eric Gaines shared their goals and visions for the city as they campaigned for voters’ support ahead of the upcoming election.

“We need to focus on what the community needs. We’ve got to start being practical in Augusta-Richmond County,” Gaines said.

“I want to create better relationships with both our state and federal officials, so that our city can learn how to bring some of the dollars we need home. I hope I was able to provide enough information for people to choose me as the person to lead the city,” Kendrick said.

“I want them to go out and touch the masses and show that there is a new paradigm shift coming to Augusta. All of us are invested,” Dr. Myles said.

The primary election is scheduled for May 19. In addition to the mayoral race, voters will also decide several other contests, including five Augusta Commission seats.

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