Everything you need to know after Helene in the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Take a look at the recent updates across the CSRA as a result of Hurricane Helene, including travel warnings, open gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores along with power outages and other updates for the public.

Travel warnings

In Burke County, EMA officials said the army national guard has two chainsaw strike teams and heavy equipment here. They will be clearing roadways. The first priority will be evacuation routes from Plant Vogtle. They will begin moving to other areas after the evacuation routes are cleared. We do not know how long they will stay in Burke County.

On Saturday morning, Aiken County Emergency Management advised travelers to please stay off of the roads unless there is an emergency. There are numerous trees and power lines down blocking roadways and it is not safe. Please stay in your homes and if you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The city of Harlem Police Department requests to only travel for emergency purposes only on Friday night. Emergency and work crews are out rendering aid and working to repair the damage from the storm.

The Lincolnton Police Department announced on Friday, all emergency personnel are working diligently to check on all citizens and to get our roads opened up for Emergency crews. If you don’t have an Emergency remain home and do not attempt to travel at this time.

Gas stations

• Pilot on Gun Club Road near the News 12 station.

In other travel news, the main power went out at the Augusta Regional Airport on Friday. Suspension of outgoing flights will continue Saturday.

The airport will receive four inbound commercial flights (two American Airlines and two Delta flights) on Saturday evening with current plans to resume normal operations Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, there were numerous delays and cancellations at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Restaurants and grocery stores

If you are going to a restaurant or grocery store. Please limit what you purchase to make sure resources last depending on how long the power could be out across the region.

• The Publix at National Hills is open, but are out of a lot of items. They are unsure when they will get trucks.
• At exit 190 at Lewiston Road in Grovetown, lights were working at the diverging diamond. Waffle House and the Kroger Marketplace were open on Saturday morning.
• Costco on Cabela Drive opens at 10 a.m.

Water conservation

• The Allendale Water Department posted tips on how to conserve water on a daily basis both inside and out.

• The Edgefield County Water and Sewer is asking all customers to conserve water in the aftermath of Helene. All facilities are currently operating on generator power, but fuel supplies are limited at this time. Please use water for cooking, bathing and bathroom use only, no outdoor use please.
• Due to challenges stemming from Hurricane Helene, Augusta Utilities Department is experiencing difficulties repairing water main breaks in the system. Officials urge residents to conserve water as there may be delays in making repairs during this time.

Here’s a look at some other updates in the aftermath of Helene’s direct hit in the CSRA:

• The Burke County 911 center experienced an outage as of 8:25 a.m. that was affecting those who may be trying to reach dial 911. You can currently reach them at 762-225-8626. We are also able to receive text to 911 at this time.
• The Screven County Sheriff’s Office were having phone issues due to trees and power lines down. Call 912-564-2013.
• AT&T announced Saturday morning, if you live in the Southeast, are impacted by the hurricane and are not currently subscribed to any of our unlimited plans, don’t worry about going over your talk, text, and data limits on this line. To help you stay safe and connected, we won’t charge you for any overages from September 27, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. to October 27, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. For a list of included zip codes, go to go.att.com/storm-helene
• Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s has been postponed to a date that will be determined. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.
• The New Ellenton Commission of Public Works asks its customers to conserve water until power is restored. This will help the utility conserve water that’s currently in the tanks.
• Also asking for conservation of water is the Montmorenci-Couchton Water & Sewer District. Without power, the utility can’t operate its wells to pump water back into the tanks.
• The Edgefield County Emergency Management Agency has opened a shelter to assist people who need it. It is at JET Middle School. Many of the main roads are blocked, so use good judgment in getting there.
• Comcast has opened more than 180,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Georgia and South Carolina for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, and businesses, visit finder.wifi.xfinity.com.
• VA Augusta Health Care System has canceled outpatient appointments at its Augusta, Aiken, Athens and Statesboro sites for the rest of Friday. The emergency department at the VA Augusta Downtown site (950 15

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