Augusta, GA

Augusta needs to lose weight, ranking top 5 in ‘America’s fattest cities’

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Augusta needs to lose weight, ranking top 5 in ‘America’s fattest cities’

The Mayo Clinic defines obesity as a complex disease involving too much body fat. The problems it creates go beyond the cosmetic looks, increasing patients’ risks of liver disease, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and other conditions. So where is it the biggest problem?

On Monday, WalletHub released its list of the ‘fattest cities in America.’ This looked at number of residents who are overweight, diabetic, have high blood pressure, and/or have heart disease as well as obesity-related death rates, access and consumption healthy foods, number of health educators, access to recreational facilities, and similar metrics.

Obesity in Augusta

Augusta is not only the fattest city in Georgia, it’s one of the fattest in the U.S. ranking No. 5. The Garden City had the second highest percentage of diabetic adults in the nation.

Obesity in Georgia

The only other Georgia city to make the list was Atlanta in the No. 56 spot overall. The capital city ranked in the bottom 20 for food and fitness, but was in the top 30 for sheer obesity and overweight resident numbers.

According to body mass index data from the CDC, as of 2024, almost 70% of Georgians are overweight and just over one-third are obese. However, the accuracy of BMI has become controversial. If you want better information about your weight and where it stands, talk to your doctor.

What are the ‘fattest cities in America?’

Little Rock, Arkansas
McAllen, Texas
Memphis, Tennessee
Jackson, Mississippi
Augusta, Georgia

What is the healthiest city in US?

Honolulu, HI
Denver, CO
Seattle, WA
Colorado Springs, CO
San Jose, CA

Average US weight

According to the CDC, the average weight for American men is 199 pounds and for women it’s 171.8 pounds.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

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Augusta, GA

Crash on Deans Bridge Road causes power outages, closures

Published

14 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Crash on Deans Bridge Road causes power outages, closures

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A single-vehicle crash on Deans Bridge Road is causing road closures and power outages Monday, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the area of Deans Bridge Road at Richmond Hill Road, where they located an overturned vehicle with an injured male driver.

The Richmond County Fire Department also responded and extricated the driver from the car, according to a news release.

The victim was transported to WellStar for treatment of serious injuries.

The northbound lanes of Deans Bridge Road are temporarily shut down while first responders secure the scene.

The crash has also downed a power line, resulting in numerous reports of power outages in the surrounding area.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is on scene conducting the investigation.

No further information has been released.

Residents are asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

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Augusta, GA

Will Georgia get tornadoes today? Latest weather service forecasts

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Will Georgia get tornadoes today? Latest weather service forecasts

Even if the temperatures don’t feel like it, a winter storm The Weather Channel calls Iona is impacting Georgia as the warm side brings thunderstorms, harsh winds, and hail across the southeast.

This also has the potential for tornadoes, with at least one already confirmed further east.

What to know about Georgia weather, storms, tornadoes

As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts throughout Georgia Here are some of them:

Tornado Warning until 7:30 a.m. Monday in the Thomaston area.
Tornado Watch until 10 a.m. Monday across northeast and central Georgia.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings until 7:45 a.m. Monday in the Thomaston area, areas of north Georgia,
Freeze Warnings from 11 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday in several cities such as Atlanta, Athens, and much of north Georgia; 4-10 a.m. in the Augusta area.

The Weather Channel says damaging winds over 75 mph and tornadoes are expected along the line of the South’s severe thunderstorms, with some even having a chance of becoming EF2 or stronger.

The storm conditions are likely to last through about 9 a.m. in Atlanta and Athens and 3 p.m. in Augusta. Meanwhile, Savannah isn’t expected to feel the worst of it until about noon lasting through 4 p.m.

Live weather radar

Here’s what the weather looks like for much of Georgia right now:

Can you shower during thunderstorm?

The National Weather Service recommends not taking a shower or bath, or washing dishes, during a thunderstorm. This is because lightning can travel through the wiring and plumbing if your house is struck.

Tornado warning vs watch

As the NWS describes, a tornado warning describes a situation in which a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar, meaning imminent danger. However, this is different from a tornado emergency describes when a violent tornado has officially touched down and you need to seek shelter immediately.

A tornado watch describes when the conditions are possible in or near your area for a tornado to develop. At this point, if you haven’t already, you should take stock of your supplies, be prepared to take emergency actions, and start monitoring the weather updates.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

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Augusta, GA

CSRA schools closures for Monday, March 16

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2026

Press Room

CSRA schools closures for Monday, March 16

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Due to possible inclement weather, schools in the CSRA are making changes to their schedules for Monday, March 16. Check back for regular updates.

Aiken County

Aiken County Public Schools will operate on an e-learning day on Monday, 16.

Allendale County

Allendale County Schools will operate on an e-learning day on Monday, March 16. All after-school programs and athletic activities will also be cancelled.

Barnwell County

Barnwell County Schools will operate as an e-learning day on Monday, March 16.

Briarwood Academy

Briarwood Academy will be closed on Monday, March 16.

Burke County

Burke County Public Schools and Departments will be closed on Monday, March 16th. This includes all after-school activities.

Columbia County

Students were already scheduled to be out on Monday, March 16, for a District Professional Learning Day.

Edgefield County

Edgefield County School District will close schools and buildings on Monday, March 16.

Glascock County

Glascock County Schools will be closed on Monday, March 16.

Jefferson County

Monday, March 16, is a scheduled school holiday for Jefferson County Schools.

McCormick County

Monday, March 16th, will be an e-learning day.

McDuffie County

The McDuffie County School System is already scheduled to observe a winter student holiday on Monday, March 16.

Orangeburg County

Monday, March 16, will be an e-learning day for students.

Richmond County

Richmond County School System schools and offices will be closed on Monday, March 16. An official update regarding operations for Tuesday, March 17, will be provided no later than Monday evening.