Augusta, GA

Washouts, floods and mud: Debby leaves damage across CSRA

Published

5 months ago

August 8, 2024

Washouts, floods and mud: Debby leaves damage across CSRA

SYLVANIA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Parts of the CSRA are a wet, muddy mess after Tropical Storm Debby dumped double-digit rain totals on the area.

Especially hard-hit were eastern and southern counties, where many roads were washed out or flooded.

And unlike Augusta, where the rain stopped Tuesday night, the skies were still emptying themselves over places like Screven County, where there were showers on and off all Wednesday ahead of possibly more rain Thursday.

It’s bad enough to keep schools in the county closed for the rest of the week in both Screven and Jenkins counties.

Screven County

Any dirt road in Screven County – and there are many – was a no-go on Wednesday.

Eureka Road was washed out over the dam at Meldrin Millpond near Savannah Highway.

It left about 15 people stranded on one side of the washout.

“This is a dead-end road,” said Codie Toole. “You got one way in, one way out.”

Tropical Storm Debby caused this washout of Eureka Road at Meldrin Millpond in Screven County.(WRDW)

“Obviously, we didn’t know it was this much rain, but it was, it was a lot of rain,” Toole said. “Obviously, the road is – it ain’t much, ain’t much you could do with it.”

Heavy equipment was brought in to help after the Screven County Emergency Management Agency raised concerns the dam might fail.

Load after load of dirt was dumped and then spread to help fill in some of the gaps left by the washout.

Citadel Road was flooded just off Allendale-Fairfax Highway.

Toole said it was great to see all the community support, with county crews and others coming out to help.

“Oh, it’s awesome. That’s what this community is about, helping each other,” he said. “It’s most action we’ve had on this road in a while.”

Halcyondale Road remained flooded – as it had been on Tuesday – and 10 people had to be evacuated off of Rocky Ford Road, though no injuries were reported.

By Wednesday afternoon, Halcyondale Road in Screven County had been flooded for about 24 hours.(WRDW)

Quite a few paved roads were underwater, or the debris patterns showed they recently had been.

County officials wanted to close more roads Tuesday when the storm came in, but they couldn’t do that because they ran out of orange barrels and signs.

Near Newington on Wednesday, water roils alongside Creek Road after receding from the pavement.(WRDW)

Some Screven County neighbors said their yards were under 16 inches to 2 feet of water.

“I don’t even have words to describe this,” the chief deputy said. “It is nothing but a huge mess. I can’t put words to what we are seeing.”

National Guard troops arrived Wednesday morning to offer help where they could. They were requested by county officials after being activated by Gov. Brian Kemp ahead of the storm. They were bringing heavy equipment to deal with debris and trees.

WHAT’S AHEAD?

Debby has gone out to sea for now, but the slow-moving storm is expected to move back inland, bringing more rain Thursday to the already saturated region. South Carolina counties are at more risk than the Georgia side of the CSRA. A slight flood risk has been issued for many local counties, but that will all depend on Debby’s eventual track.

Although areas are underwater, crews are only taking out the boat if there are life-safety issues.

One woman had water up to her knees. She told us the rainwater level reached the level of the pond on her property.

Her family had multiple vehicles sitting in the water, and she feared they might be totaled.

Red Cross volunteers to help Tropical Storm Debby victims

She was trying to rescue her chickens Wednesday morning, but she wasn’t optimistic.

Another homeowner called the flooding a “devastating blow to farmers.”

On Tuesday night, Screven County emergency management officials were very concerned about the amount of rain that fell – a total they say they’ve never seen.

At Rocky Ford, which got the most recorded rain in the county, the Ogeechee River looked perilously high. One longtime resident said he’d only seen it that high one time before.

As of Wednesday morning, here were some of the rain totals in Screven County:

Rocky Ford: 12.89 inches.
Newington: 11.38 inches.
Sylvania: 9.33 inches.
Burtons Ferry: 8.96 inches.
Sylvania Airport: 8.23 inches.
Hiltonia: 4.99 inches.

Allendale County

Allendale County Emergency Management Agency officials told News 12 on Wednesday that Tuesday’s rain was they most they had seen – definitely more than the last few hurricanes.

Williams Road in Fairfax was washed out, and was blocked from end to end. Here’s a look at the water washing over it:

Also washed out was Stillwood Road.

Citadel Road was flooded just off Allendale-Fairfax Highway. At the corner, the owner of Showroom Discount Warehouse said it’s the only flooring place in town. The business couldn’t get deliveries in and out because of the flood and was having some septic tank issues.

There were surely more flooded roads, but officials were still riding routes to check around midday Wednesday.

Some areas were underwater, including some farmland along Confederate Highway.

At a home along Buford’s Bridge Highway, no one was there, but the yard and driveway were underwater.

There was flooding all around Fairfax Gardens Apartments at 772 Saluda Ave., which is home to many seniors. Fire crews tried to clear the water Tuesday, but they weren’t successful.

Many residents left Tuesday, and those who stayed did so by choice.

There was flooding all around Fairfax Gardens Apartments at 772 Saluda Ave., on Wednesday in... — There was flooding all around Fairfax Gardens Apartments at 772 Saluda Ave., on Wednesday in Allendale County.(WRDW)

Burke County

In Sardis, Tom Bargeron Road was washed out near Highway 23. On Wednesday morning, the asphalt had been peeled away atop culverts that run underneath the roadway. Water swirled along the side of the road.

In Sardis, Tom Bargeron Road was partially washed out near Highway 23.(WRDW)

It’s a familiar problem to the area. The road was replaced about 10 years ago due to flooding and washouts from the creek that runs under it. Crews installed four large culverts to help move the water. But on Tuesday, that wasn’t enough.

Also in Sardis, Beaver Dam Road was closed Wednesday.

Just a few miles to the northeast, Perry Road was washed out off of Stoney Bluff Road. That’s east of Girard.

Flooding forced the Georgia Department of Transportation to close State Highway 24 north of Alexander-Munnerlyn Road in Burke County on Tuesday night. And Mill Pond Road near Murray Hill Road was closed due to flooding.

Also in Burke County, part of a tree broke and penetrated the roof of a home in Sardis off Zeigler Circle on Doris Lane. No injuries were reported.

Even though winds have been relatively low, it doesn’t take much to bring down a tree in soggy ground.

Water nearly surrounds this mobile home along Hiltonia Creek Road in Burke County after... — Water nearly surrounds this mobile home along Hiltonia Creek Road in Burke County after Tropical Storm Debby swept through.(WRDW)

Falling trees have been deadly during the storm. A 19-year-old man in Moultrie died when a tree fell through a home Monday afternoon.

Jenkins County

Flooded rural roads were also a problem in Jenkins County, where rainfall totaled 5 to 6 inches, depending on location.

Jones Plantation Road was covered in 7 inches of water Tuesday evening. That was up from 5 inches in less than two hours.

Jenkins and Emanuel counties both had all hands on deck, with first responders of every kind on standby, from law enforcement to rescue crews.

WHAT ABOUT THE RIVERS?

One thing we probably won’t have to worry about is flooding from the Savannah River. Although the river is expected to rise about 6 feet by Thursday night, it will still be below the lowest flood stage at that point. The Ogeechee River at Midville, however, could reach minor flood stage by Thursday night, when it will have risen by 5 to 6 feet.

Bamberg County

Bamberg County, which is still recovering from a Jan. 9 tornado, was mostly unscathed by Debby.

Some trees came down Tuesday night, but crews had already cleared them by the middle of Wednesday.

The only closed road was Turkeycut Road.

Bamberg County spokeswoman Alisha Moore said people are just hunkering down for the second round of Debby on Thursday.

County officials ask people to stay off the roads – and don’t go try to see the flooding if there is any.

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Augusta, GA

WATCH LIVE: How Augusta is preparing for icy winter blast

Published

56 minutes ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

WATCH LIVE: How Augusta is preparing for icy winter blast

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Preparations are underway in Augusta for winter weather that’s expected to begin Friday morning.

Augusta Fire/EMA says they are working closely with county departments and preparing for the weather forecast to impact North and Central Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

“The system is expected to bring a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, beginning Friday morning and continuing through the evening, with hazardous travel and power outages likely,” the city said in a statement.

On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, Jan. 14.

“The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the approaching winter storm, and I’m asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days,” said Kemp. “Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event.”

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Ice accumulation is anticipated north of I-20, creating dangerous road conditions and the potential for widespread power disruptions. Freezing temperatures also increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the cold, according to Augusta officials.

The Georgia Department of Transportation began active brine operations overnight which continued Thursday morning across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. They say the application of brine will continue throughout Thursday in areas expected to be the most impacted by snow accumulation, sleet and freezing rain.

Crews are working 12-hour shifts and are prioritizing treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses both north and south of and along I-20, according to the department.

Snowplow and removal crews and additional equipment will arrive Thursday and will respond in support of metro Atlanta crews when snow begins to fall, and active removal begins

City officials say the Emergency Operations Center is at Level 3 monitoring, ensuring all city departments are ready to respond.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting shelter checks, and the Marshal’s Office is on standby to assist as needed, according to officials. Augusta Utilities is protecting critical systems, issuing notices to help residents safeguard pipes, and preparing generators as well.

Augusta Engineering is pre-treating roads and preparing snow removal equipment, while Parks and Recreation is securing outdoor facilities and readying shelters for potential use.

City officials encourage you to avoid unnecessary travel and drive cautiously if travel is essential.

They also ask that you prepare homes by insulating pipes, securing outdoor items and assembling emergency kits. Check on vulnerable neighbors, and use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Shelters are available for those in need, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Garden City Rescue Mission and Augusta Rescue Mission.

At this time, officials say no ID checks will be required for shelter access.

With the forecast of potential ice accumulation across the region, there is a possibility for fallen trees and downed power lines. If you come across either, the Georgia Department of Transportation asks that you do not cross them and report them to your local authorities or 911.

They say it’s best to turn around and take an alternative route and to not try to clear tree limbs or other debris from roads as live power lines might be tangled in debris and pose a deadly hazard.

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Augusta, GA

EXPOSED! Riverwatch flasher captured after being blasted online

Published

9 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

EXPOSED! Riverwatch flasher captured after being blasted online

The Riverwatch walker known for wearing skimpy clothing and flashing his package on the parkway has been identified as a registered sex offender from Augusta with multiple stints in prison for the most perverse sex crimes.

Timothy Kevin Marcus, 58, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. He is accused of two incidents of public indecency, one on Dec. 11 on Reynolds Street and again on Jan. 6 on Riverwatch Parkway.

The official charges are public indecency – 3rd offense, a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years each. Additional charges may follow, authorities said.

Marcus has five previous convictions for similar offenses, including a 2017 incident in Columbia County when he wore a kilt on Washington Road and exposed himself. He has convictions for child molestation, peeping Tom, and multiple public indecency from other parts of the state.

In the 2017 case, Judge Michael Annis gave him a five-year sentence with the first four in confinement.

“The Sheriff’s Office is aware of the online social media footage circulating and is requesting that anyone with direct footage or additional information regarding any specific incident provide this information via email to the Sheriff’s Office,” a press release says, offering the email of pio@augustaga.gov

The man’s indecency has been posted all over social media. One resident said he was seen walking in a bodysuit pulled into a thong and exposing his buttocks with his full “wing ding on display.”

“Not a f**king care in the world,” the witness said. “Yes we called the police. Yes we gave footage. Yes others have apparently called the police before. Yes he has exposed himself to others countless times before and nothing has been done about it.”

The witness called it “terrifying.” She asked anyone walking the trails to be vigilant and aware.

WGAC’s Austin Rhodes has also blasted the man’s picture on Facebook, where he was shown both exposed from far away and with a body suit outlining his genitalia.

“In an effort to curb confusion and be consistent, I am proclaiming that until this fool is officially identified by his legal name…he shall be known as… LiL’ NUBBIN!” Rhodes told his Facebook readers and radio listeners.

Sheriff Gino Brantley expressed his appreciation, stating: “I would like to thank our media partners and the citizens who provided the critical information that allowed us to swiftly apprehend this suspect. By working together, we can accomplish so much more for the safety and well-being of the residents and visitors of Augusta-Richmond County.”

Additionally, Sheriff Brantley extended his gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, saying: “I would also like to thank the men and women in our agency who ensured this arrest was carried out in a timely and professional manner.”

Marcus is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

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Augusta, GA

Social media posts lead to arrest of man in public indecency case

Published

17 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Press Room

Social media posts lead to arrest of man in public indecency case

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged with felony public indecency on Wednesday afternoon.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says Timothy Kevin Marcus, 58, was arrested without incident around 4 p.m. and charged with two counts of felony public indecency.

The sheriff’s office says they were made aware of online social media footage regarding this incident.

The sheriff’s office says additional charges may be forthcoming.

According to the sheriff’s office, Marcus has five previous convictions for similar offenses, including one in Columbia County.

“I would like to thank our media partners and the citizens who provided the critical information that allowed us to swiftly apprehend this suspect. By working together, we can accomplish so much more for the safety and well-being of the residents and visitors of Augusta-Richmond County,” said Sheriff Gino Brantley.

Marcus is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office is requesting that anyone with direct footage or additional information regarding any specific incident, please email it to the sheriff’s office at pio@augustaga.gov.

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