From loss of power and water to blocked roads, Hurricane Helene had a big impact on Augusta. That’s what its leaders looked to address Friday.
Several of them held a press conference outside the Augusta Utilities building on Friday afternoon. The first to speak was Mayor Garnett Johnson.
“Our community has been deeply impacted,” Johnson said. “We didn’t anticipate this to happen, but it did. Just know that we have a great team that’s working with us to make sure we restore Augusta the way we expect it.”
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Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said they started bringing in additional resources to help them at about 2 a.m. While there is no curfew, residents are asked to shelter in place as much as possible.
“If there’s not a necessary reason for you to leave your home, please stay in place,” Roundtree said. “First responders will try to get to you as quick as we can….but we have multiple vehicle accidents, trees down through out the city. This was a very impactful storm.”