Augusta, GA Weather Alerts

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
counties, Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie and Richmond and
central South Carolina, including the following counties, Aiken,
Barnwell, Edgefield and McCormick.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Rainfall amounts associated with Hurricane Helene across the
Central Savannah River Area are expected to range from 3 to 5
inches. Isolated higher amounts are possible. Rainfall rates
will increase through Thursday, with the heaviest rain bands
expected Thursday night into early Friday morning.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible
somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Augusta
- Fort Gordon

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
flooding rain
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos,
and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.
Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some
weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
tornadoes
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
few tornadoes.
- PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
hazardous weather arrives.
- ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- https://weather.gov/cae
- http://ready.gov/hurricanes

HLSCAE

This product covers the Midlands of central South Carolina and east
central Georgia CSRA

**Multiple impacts expected from Hurricane Helene late Thursday into
Friday**


NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Aiken, Bamberg,
Barnwell, Burke, Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Columbia,
Edgefield, Lexington, Lincoln, McCormick, McDuffie, Newberry,
Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Richmond, Saluda, and
Southeastern Orangeburg

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Aiken, Bamberg,
Barnwell, Burke, Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Columbia,
Edgefield, Lexington, Lincoln, McCormick, McDuffie, Newberry,
Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Richmond, Saluda, and
Southeastern Orangeburg

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 910 miles south-southwest of Columbia SC or about 860
miles south-southwest of Augusta GA
- 21.6N 86.3W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph
- Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 10 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Helene is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane
as it moves north across the eastern Gulf of Mexico Thursday. The
hurricane is expected to make landfall around the Big Bend area of
Florida Thursday evening, tracking north across Georgia Thursday night
into Friday morning. Helene is forecast to become a very large storm,
with impacts expected to extend well east of the center of the storm.

Rainfall amounts across central South Carolina and east central
Georgia are expected to range from 3 to 5 inches in the CSRA to 2 to
3 inches in the Midlands and Pee Dee. Isolated higher amounts are
possible, southwest of the I-26 corridor. Rainfall rates will increase
through Thursday, with the heaviest rain bands expected Thursday night
into early Friday morning.

Tropical storm force winds are possible Thursday night into early
Friday morning with the highest probabilities southwest of the
I-26 corridor as the storm moves across central Georgia. A few
tornadoes will be possible especially in the south midlands and CSRA
Thursday night.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible impacts across the central
Midlands and CSRA especially southwest of the I-26 corridor.
Potential impacts in this area include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

Elsewhere across the north Midlands and Pee Dee, impacts expected to be
more limited.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across the region, especially the southeast Midlands and CSRA.
Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the CSRA and south/central Midlands. Potential
impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and
ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Prepare for rainfall flooding having possible minor/moderate impacts across
the north Midlands and Pee Dee.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the
storm.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

|
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Columbia SC around 430 PM, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
areas, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond and central South
Carolina, including the following areas, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington,
Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Southeastern Orangeburg and
Sumter.

* WHEN...From noon EDT today through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are
possible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Hurricane Debby will be moving slowly through the area
through much of this week. Heavy rainfall is expected across
the area with 4 to 8 inches, and locally higher amounts,
along and south of I-20.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
areas, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond and central South
Carolina, including the following areas, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington,
Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Southeastern Orangeburg and
Sumter.

* WHEN...From 10 AM EDT this morning through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this
morning into this evening with locally heavy rainfall. With
nearly saturated soils the additional rainfall will result in
increasing potential for flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South
Carolina.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South
Carolina.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

...Parts of the area have received 200-400% of their normal rainfall
over the previous 7 days. Heavy rain is again a threat through this
afternoon/evening over many of these locations...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
areas, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond and central South
Carolina, including the following areas, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw,
Lee, Lexington, Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Southeastern
Orangeburg and Sumter.

* WHEN...Until midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

...Parts of the area have received 200-400% of their normal rainfall
over the previous 7 days. Heavy rain is again a threat through this
afternoon/evening over many of these locations...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
areas, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond and central South
Carolina, including the following areas, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw,
Lee, Lexington, Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Southeastern
Orangeburg and Sumter.

* WHEN...Until midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

...Recent heavy rain and flash flooding combined with the threat of
1.5 to 3 inches of additional rainfall and the potential for
excessive rainfall rates across portions of the Midlands and CSRA
has led to the concern for areas of flash flooding in the watch area
starting this afternoon lasting into Wednesday night and Thursday...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia, including the following
areas, Burke and Richmond and central South Carolina, including
the following areas, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Central
Orangeburg, Chesterfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Northwestern
Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter.

* WHEN...Through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood