Recovery efforts continue into their second week after Hurricane Helene devastated the Augusta area on Sept. 27.
Though thousands remain without power heading into this week, Georgia Power said that by Saturday, Oct. 5 80% of its Augusta customers had their power restored.
The Category 4 storm made landfall Sept. 26 along Florida’s Big Bend coast. The Augusta area saw isolated tornadoes and hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 80 mph, downing trees and powerlines.
Below is the latest information on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Augusta and east Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle staff will update regularly.
12:45 p.m. Sunday – Columbia County school system gives update
Columbia County School District issued a news release Sunday ahead of students’ return to class Wednesday and Thursday. Students whose families are still facing hardships caused by Helene will not be counted absent nor face other repercussions.
As of Sunday, Blue Ridge Elementary School and Brookwood Elementary School are the only two awaiting power restoration. They are estimated to be powered back up in the next two days. If power isn’t restored, parents will be notified directly with enough lead time to make necessary preparations.