Augusta, GA
Local roofing companies continue to see delays after Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are seeing rain for the first time in more than a month, adding more concern for those who are still dealing with structural damage after Hurricane Helene.
Local roofing companies are challenged with keeping the demand of roofing needs.
For the last month, people have been just worried about what’s in front of them on the ground with debris. But after the last couple of days, the battle is leaks on their roofs.
Roofing companies say the urgency for repairs is growing with more weather coming in the future and only having limited resources to fix it.
Tarp is becoming the new style for hundreds of people’s roofs.
Augusta resident, Susan Wyatt, says the heavy rain was the first real test for her roof after Helene. It’s a test that failed.
“We had the mop this morning and everything. Put a bucket, still can drip and drip, and it all changed the color of the ceiling again,” said Wyatt.
Wyatt says she’s not alone.
“Everybody’s trying to find the roofers and getting their houses redone. And one friend up there has got very bad damage in the back of their house,” said Wyatt.
Contractors say their workload was already overwhelming after the storm, but now it’s on another level.
“Now, homeowners are dealing with water pouring into their houses, you know. So, it’s a lot more demanding as far as it’s got to be done,” said Daniel Williams, general manager of Best Choice Roofing in Augusta.
Roofing companies like Brighter Side Roofing and Best Choice Roofing say they went from 15-20 jobs a month to now facing hundreds.
But they’re saying the biggest challenge is not having enough manpower to fulfill in-person estimates, slowing up the scheduling process.
Samuel Leverette, owner of Brighter Side Roofing, said: “A roofing company, we can come out and provide you with estimates. But a lot of times, our estimate may not coincide with what the insurance company is even going to do. So, we, come in, get in touch with your insurance company, go ahead and see exactly what they’re going to cover and not cover, and see what the price, what the cost is going to be.”
Meanwhile, Wyatt and her neighbors are hopeful things pick up down the line, so they have one less thing to worry about post-storm.
“I know the Lord will take care of it,” she said.
The roofing companies we spoke with say the average wait time for roof replacement is six to eight weeks and tarping can be done over a couple of days.
They’re asking for patience and to streamline the process by going through your insurance company first to find out what and how much they will cover with an adjustor’s summary report.
They say roof replacement costs can range anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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