Chemical leak shuts down Columbia Nitrogen Drive near Laney Walker

Published

2 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Chemical leak shuts down Columbia Nitrogen Drive near Laney Walker

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A possible chemical leak on Columbia Nitrogen Drive is causing major traffic backups on I-520 Eastbound, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say that around 5:23 a.m., they responded to 1419 Columbia Nitrogen Drive following a report of a possible chemical leak.

Callers have reported a strong smell of ammonia near the scene.

The affected area has been restricted to through traffic while emergency personnel assess the situation.

Deputies are blocking the south portion of the intersection at Columbia Nitrogen Drive and Laney Walker Boulevard.

Select cars have been allowed through if they are parking at factories or businesses located between the police and fire units on scene.

No confirmed injuries have been reported at this time.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes as deputies are assisting with traffic as the situation remains active.

Additional updates will be provided once the roadway is deemed safe for travel, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Augusta celebrates 49th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Press Room

Augusta celebrates 49th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta marked St. Patrick’s Day with its 49th annual parade.

This year, the Irish American Heritage Society routed the procession down Broad Street twice to increase foot traffic for businesses along the corridor.

Your Audrey Dickherber was on the ground throughout the day, covering the crowds celebrating the holiday.

Harlem Marching Band heads to Fifth Avenue

While Augusta held its own celebration, the Harlem Marching Band marked St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, marching in that city’s 265th St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Fifth Avenue.

The band marched alongside the County Westmeath Association of New York Heritage Group and was one of four Georgia bands selected to participate.

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

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Press Room

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

2 days 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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