Augusta, GA
Deadly storm leaves a path of damage through CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A deadly storm left a path of damage in the CSRA as it lashed its way through the region Saturday night.
Sheets of rain came down as thunder roared and winds gusted during the storm that started suddenly – although not unexpectedly, since News 12 meteorologists had issued a FIRST ALERT for possible severe weather.
Stretching across the region, the storm left one person dead in Banks County, Ga.
In the CSRA, much of the damage was in Aiken County, including trees that came down and blocked roads in the Rapids neighborhood off River Bluff Drive in North Augusta. In that same neighborhood, part of a shed blew into a road.
Also in North Augusta, power was out from Exit 1 of Interstate 20 all the way down Martintown Road to Georgia Avenue. At the exit, Waffle House employees were standing around outside waiting for power to come back on.
In total, about 4,000 Dominion Energy customers were without power at one point in Aiken County. For the current Dominion outage map, visit https://outagemap.dominionenergysc.com/.
In Augusta, electricity was out for about 2,000 Georgia Power customers at one point. For the current outage map, visit https://outagemap.georgiapower.com/.
Other problems included:
- A tree was down at Cherokee Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway in Clearwater. Also, one power pole and power lines were down.
- A tree came down on a house on Hammond Road.
- A transformer blew at Maple Street and Truman Avenue and set grass on fire in New Ellenton.
- A tree blocked tree Mount Calvary Road in Aiken County.
- The storm started a small brush fire near Midland Valley Estates on Jefferson Davis Highway. The source of the fire appeared to be a transformer.
- In Edgefield County, power poles and power lines were down in the 800 block of Highway 283. Neighbors came out to direct traffic.
Elsewhere in the region, the Georgia Department of Public Safety said one person was killed when a tree came down on his car in Banks County.
Jason Keith Payne, 56, was driving east on Georgia Highway 51 when a tree on the south side of the highway fell onto his car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp expressed condolences.
“Join us in praying for the loved ones of a Georgian tragically lost tonight due to the severe storms,” he said Saturday night in a post on X. “As we keep them in our thoughts, we’re also praying for the first responders rushing to help those affected by this strong weather system and the safety of those in its path.”
There could be more severe weather ahead.
A FIRST ALERT remains in effect Sunday and Monday for the chance of severe storms.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the CSRA, including Augusta and Aiken, in its category of slight risk (2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms Sunday and Monday, with damaging winds and large hail being the main concerns.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students at Richmond County Technical Magnet School achieved a milestone by launching their 500th non-kit rocket.
Students launched rockets at Thompson Farm in Augusta. The launch is part of the school’s aerospace program that has been part of their STEM curriculum since 2014.
The Augusta Fire Department collaborated with the group for the launch.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman is recovering in Augusta after being attacked with acid earlier this week in Savannah.
Around 8:16 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked her with an unknown chemical.
The liquid melted through her clothing and headphones.
The victim has been identified as Ashley Wasielewski, of Savannah, according to sources close to her family.
First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family said the burn center is in Augusta.
Sources close to the family said Wasielewski is stable after suffering second-degree burns.
Savannah police say they don’t believe the attacker was known to the victim.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.
With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.
The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.
Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.
Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.
In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.
“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.
“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”
The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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