The Current GA

TS Debby: Bryan County updates

By Serra Sowers and Robin Kemp,

7 days ago

User-posted content

Updated 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2024

If you live in Bryan County, including Pembroke and Richmond Hill, please bookmark and check this page often for updates on local conditions and emergency directives.

Schools remain closed through Wednesday, check road closures using links below before leaving home.

Decontaminating Private Wells after Flooding

August 6, 7:24 p.m : The Coastal Health District urges private well owners to take precautions and disinfect any well that flooded during recent severe weather.
When a well is flooded, the water can become contaminated with bacteria that could cause waterborne illness. Disinfection of a flooded private well cannot begin until the water covering the affected well has receded.

Steps to disinfect flooded private wells

Step 1: Thoroughly clean all accessible surfaces removing any loose debris. Then wash the area with a strong chlorine solution (1 quart of household bleach per 5 gallon of water).
Step 2: Remove the well cap and add 1 gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach.
Step 3: Run water from an outside faucet through a hose until a strong chlorine smell can be detected. Place the end of the hose in the well allowing the water to run down the sides of the casing and circulate for at least 15 minutes. Replace the well cap.
Step 4: Turn off the hose and enter the home opening each tap, one at a time, until chlorine can be detected. Please include hot water faucets, toilets, bathtubs, washing machine, etc.
Step 5: Once the chlorine odor reaches all outlets, let the water system stand for at least 8 hours and preferably overnight. Refrain from any water use during this time.
Step 6: Flush the system of chlorine by turning on an outside faucet letting it run until the chlorine smell dissipates. Finally, run the indoor faucets until the water is clear and the chlorine smell is gone. Do not run any unnecessary water into the septic system or allow the chlorinated water to drain into a stream or pond. The well cannot be flushed too much!
Step 7: The water should be tested to determine if it’s safe to drink. It is recommended that over the next several weeks two additional samples are taken, and the results are satisfactory. Well water can be tested at your local county health department or county extension office. Repeated chlorination and/or a well professional should be called if problems remain.

National Weather Service

The 11 a.m. Tuesday Aug. 6 update is showing Tropical Storm Debby moving into the Atlantic off the coast of South Carolina this afternoon.

An additional four to six inches of rain are expected, or up to eight inches locally , through Friday afternoon.

Driving Conditions

Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

The most recent update from Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services as posted on Facebook:

“Just a reminder to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. There may be hidden dangers that are not easily noticed by the untrained eye.

Flooded Roads: If you see a large amount of water pooled over the road, remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Power Outages at Traffic Signals: Strong winds and heavy rain can disrupt power to traffic signals. If you encounter an intersection with a nonfunctioning traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop and follow these rules:

Stop: If the signal is completely dark, stop at the intersection .

Yield: After stopping, yield to vehicles already in the intersection.

Right of Way: The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way, regardless of direction or location. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

Exceptions: These rules do not apply if law enforcement or other authorized personnel are directing traffic, or if portable stop signs are placed on some approaches.

Malfunctioning Traffic Signals: If a traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing:

Yellow Flashing: Drivers may proceed with caution.

Red Flashing: Drivers must stop and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Stay safe and be cautious on the roads!”

Protect your life and property with these Flood Safety Tips from the National Weather Service .

Visit the National Weather Service’s #Debby One-Stop Page for useful information and updates for communities in the path of the storm.

Bryan County Emergency Management

Bryan County residents can sign up online for free Code Red alerts or call 912-858-2799 if you need help signing up. You also can download the Code Red app for iPhone or Android . Bryan County Emergency Management Agency (BEMA) says it uses CodeRED “to send emergency notifications by phone, email, text and social media to keep citizens informed of emergencies such as an evacuation notices, utility outages, water main breaks, fire or floods, chemical spills, or other emergency situations. BEMA may also activate CodeRED to send GENERAL notifications to registered subscribers to communicate non-life safety matters, such as planned road closures, water main repairs, water and power service interruptions, etc. There is no charge to register for or use CodeRED and your personal information will be kept confidential.”

Bryan County declared a state of emergency as of Sunday at 6:53 p.m., following the state’s declaration, and recommend those who live in flood-prone areas seek higher ground. Government offices will be closed as of noon Monday, but public safety and essential workers will be working. The county notes, “In the event of hurricane damage, the emergency declaration allows the Bryan County Board of Commissioners to have the necessary tools to respond quickly and ensure a speedy recovery. This also allows the County to request state resources such as equipment and money for response and recovery, if necessary.”

Roads Impacts in Bryan County

For updates on flooded areas, road closures, down power lines and trees, check the GIS map here on web or mobile . You can search by address or street name.

As of 1 p.m., Bryan County Sheriff’s Office shared these road closures and flooded areas.

The following roads are closed at this time:

Ash Branch Church Road
Canterwood Drive
Winding Way Road
Jeanette Coursey Road
Black Creek Church Road

Areas that are flooded, but remain open are:

Highway 80/Highway 280
Highway 80/Olive Branch Road
Highway 80/Highway 119
Dubois Street/South Main Street
Circle Drive/Camellia Drive
IG Lanier Road/OF Lanier Road
Wildwood Church Road/Fountain Road
George Edwards Road
George Edwards/CC Road
Stubbs Road/Pevey Road
Shumantown Road
Otterhole Branch Road
Beautiful Zion Church Road
Little Creek Road

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0VlVxd_0unb4I7e00 — Tori Branch Road in North Bryan County courtesy of Lainie Menard on August 6, 2024 after Tropical Storm Debby. Credit: Lainie Menard

As of Tuesday morning, a bridge on Tori Branch Road in North Bryan County showed the effect of just how much water is rushing through rivers following several inches of rain. Photo and Video courtesy of Lainie Menard.

BRISTOL WAY ENTRANCE TO MAINSTREET CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (8/6/24 @ 10:15 am) Please use the Ivey Street entrance if trying to access the Mainstreet subdivision.

The Bristol Way entrance off Harris Trail Road is currently closed until further notice due to storm water over the road.

As of late night Aug. 5, Canterwood Drive is CLOSED between Worthington Drive and West Hampton Drive due to severe flooding.

Report Stormwater Drainage Issues

To check existing requests and share new requests, Richmond Hill residents can use this map for live updates .

Check Flood Map areas of concern here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=Bryan%20County%20GA

Bryan County schools return Thursday

“We are excited to welcome our students back to school on Thursday, August 8, 2024. We understand that the recent storm has impacted our community in various ways, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities.

If your child is unable to attend school due to weather-related issues, such as high water or road closures, all student absences will be excused for Thursday and Friday. Each school will work with impacted families in an effort to support their individual needs during this time of recovery.

Please be aware that there are still areas with high water and some road closures. As a result, some of our bus routes may need to be modified. We anticipate delays and kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work to transport our students safely.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.”

Bryan County public schools have also announced closures for Monday, Aug. 5 through Wednesday, Aug. 7. According to a post on their Facebook page , a decision about closures for other days this week will be made by 1 p.m. each day. Sports and other afterschool activities are canceled until further notice.

Richmond Hill parking enforcement

The City of Richmond Hill says it will enforce parking during Debby : “Vehicles parked illegally on streets can obstruct emergency response vehicles and hinder efforts to address flooding or other storm-related issues. Please park only in designated areas and refrain from parking on streets where it is not permitted. Please be aware that due to the critical need to keep streets clear during the storm, parking restrictions will be strictly enforced, and illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.”

Richmond Hill yard waste

The City of Richmond Hill is asking residents who have placed yard waste at the curb to pick it up and hold it until next week : “During heavy rain, yard waste is easily picked up and carried by storm water. This debris can then accumulate in storm drains and ditches, blocking the flow of water and potentially causing localized flooding and drainage issues throughout our community. We understand this is an inconvenience, but your cooperation in keeping yard waste off the streets this week is crucial for the safety and well-being of our neighborhood. Yard waste collection will resume next week, weather permitting.”

County Trash Collection

As of Monday, Aug 5, 5:45 p.m., trash collection is set to resume as normal in Bryan County.

Power Outages

Here are updated numbers on power outages across Bryan County , including Pembroke and Richmond Hill. It is unclear if the outages reported are storm or weather related.

No Sandbags Available

Self-serve sand and bags are all gone as of Monday Aug.5:

The City of Richmond Hill is offering free sand for residents who bring their own bags and shovels to the former GDOT lot on Timber Trail near Port Drive . Fire Station 2 at 722 Timber Trail has a limited, first-come, first-serve supply of empty sandbags (5 per household). The city asks that you only fill the bags halfway “to ensure they are manageable and effective,” and that “residents be mindful of their neighbors and take only the amount of sand or sandbags that they truly need.”
Terry Wilson, manager of Evans Concrete in Midway (Liberty County), says residents of Liberty, Bryan, and McIntosh Counties can fill sandbags free of charge from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, August 5, weather permitting, at the company’s plant near 160 Leroy Coffer Highway. You must bring your own sandbags to fill.

Fort McAllister State Park

Fort McAllister State Park says the campground will be closed as of noon Monday, Aug. 5 and no reservations will be available Monday night in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby. All campers must leave by noon Monday. Monitor the park website for updates. The park’s main number is 912-727-2339.