Hurricane Idalia live updates from Augusta, Ga.: Several schools to remain closed on Thursday

Below is the latest information on Idalia in Augusta and east Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle staff will update regularly.

Waffle Houses are known for their endurance: Staying open 24/7 rain or shine with very little standing in their way of making and serving hash browns. So, when something forces one or more Waffle Houses to close, it’s a serious red flag for residents. This measurement of a disaster’s severity is called the “Waffle House Index.”

The chain’s vice president of food safety and public relations Njeri Boss said Wednesday afternoon that they were not closing any Georgia locations, but they are sending some generators to diners in south Georgia. Some Waffle Houses in Florida have had to close.

School systems across Georgia were forced to close due to the hurricane, and some Augusta-area schools are staying closed through Thursday.

Burke County Public School System and Aiken County Public Schools reported Wednesday afternoon that students and staff will not return to classrooms in the morning. Burke County closed its doors after school Tuesday while Aiken County released its students early Wednesday.

Richmond County School System released students early Wednesday. Columbia County School District did not change its hours. No information has been released on whether or not students from these districts will be staying home Thursday.

Augusta offers sandbags, rides to shelters

Augusta officials announced on Wednesday a number of last-minute safety initiatives ahead of Hurricane Idalia’s arrival.

The category 1 storm’s predicted path shifted through the day, moving the eye wall closer to Augusta than initially projected.

Officials noted via social media that it is providing free sandbags while supplies last. Residents are limited to five bags. The sandbags are available at 2316 Tobacco Rd.

The city also announced Wednesday that Augusta Public Transportation is providing free rides to local shelters. The Augusta Emergency Management Agency would not specify where those shelter are located, but confirmed they are not city-designated shelters.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, no roads were closed by the city’s engineering department due to flooding. However, the city received rain throughout the week, raising concerns about saturated ground.

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change, according to the National Weather Service.

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While Augusta typically serves as a safe haven for people on the coast fleeing severe weather, Hurricane Idalia’s projected path has left those searching for a safe place to stay looking elsewhere.

Augusta area hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta, said they have not seen a lot of out-of-town guests.

“Normally, when we have a hurricane or dangerous storms around the coast, we get people that are evacuating,” said Greg Greenawalt, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. “There might have been a few people here or there, but we’re not getting a substantial influx of out-of-town guests.”

Greenawalt noted the hotel had a conference due to start Wednesday morning, which was canceled because many of the participants could not get to Augusta.

The National Weather Service issued an update at 3:09 p.m. stating flash flooding is possible in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties through Thursday afternoon.

Rainfall amounts will continue overnight, according to the NWS. Rainfall totals will range from 1 to 2 inches, with the heaviest rainfall ranging from 3 to 6 inches. Isolated areas may receive 7 to 8 inches.

Hurricane Idalia projected path

NWS flash flood tips for Augusta area

• Stay informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio and check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
• Get to higher ground: Those living in a flood-prone area should seek higher ground.
• Obey evacuation orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock homes when exiting and disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Practice electrical safety: Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
• Avoid flood waters: Do not walk through flood waters. If trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade, as water may be deeper than it appears.

Augusta EMA said it will continuing pushing updates through its social media pages.

Hurricane Idalia updates: Storm weakens to Category 1, but still tearing through Georgia