Saturday, October 8, 2016
Chatham Emergency Management Agency is initiating Phase I of reentry to Savannah after Hurricane Matthew. Evacuees will not be allowed back in Chatham County unless they are part of that protocol.
Major road closings, including I-95, have been initiated to control traffic flow into the county.
Storm response will shift to rendering the area safe for follow-on first responders. The first people to re-enter the storm-affected area will be first responders and private sector utility providers such as power companies.
Other entities responding in Phase I include:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Services
• Search and Rescue Resources
• Emergency Medical Services
• Government Officials
Law enforcement officers will be staged at entry points to ensure those who enter the storm-affected area are properly credentialed.
Storm surge related to Hurricane Matthew set a record, with measurements at Tybee Island showing 12.5 feet. The previous record was set in 1979 when Hurricane David pushed sea levels to 12.2 feet.
Highest measured sustained winds in Chatham County reached 48 mph on the coast. Highest measured gusts reached 80 mph at 2:43 a.m. Saturday on Tybee Island.
Georgia Power reports 133,755 customers without power in Chatham County.
Major road closings, including I-95, have been initiated to control traffic flow into the county.
Storm response will shift to rendering the area safe for follow-on first responders. The first people to re-enter the storm-affected area will be first responders and private sector utility providers such as power companies.
Other entities responding in Phase I include:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Services
• Search and Rescue Resources
• Emergency Medical Services
• Government Officials
Law enforcement officers will be staged at entry points to ensure those who enter the storm-affected area are properly credentialed.
Storm surge related to Hurricane Matthew set a record, with measurements at Tybee Island showing 12.5 feet. The previous record was set in 1979 when Hurricane David pushed sea levels to 12.2 feet.
Highest measured sustained winds in Chatham County reached 48 mph on the coast. Highest measured gusts reached 80 mph at 2:43 a.m. Saturday on Tybee Island.
Georgia Power reports 133,755 customers without power in Chatham County.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Effective this evening, a dusk to dawn curfew will be in full effect throughout Savannah and all of Chatham County indefinitely.
Chief Lumpkin says "the curfew will be enforced and it is for everyone. We will arrest people for curfew violation."
The National Guard has 70 Military Police officers on hand helping Savannah/Chatham Metro Police in a support role during the storm.
The curfew was enabled by local states of emergency officially declared by Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach and County Commission Chairman Al Scott.
Chief Lumpkin says "the curfew will be enforced and it is for everyone. We will arrest people for curfew violation."
The National Guard has 70 Military Police officers on hand helping Savannah/Chatham Metro Police in a support role during the storm.
The curfew was enabled by local states of emergency officially declared by Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach and County Commission Chairman Al Scott.
"U.S. 80 at the Bull River Bridge has been closed to traffic due to the approaching Hurricane. No automobiles will be allowed onto Tybee Island," a City spokesperson says.
Emergency personnel have pulled off Tybee, "and will not respond to calls for service through the hurricane."
Emergency personnel have pulled off Tybee, "and will not respond to calls for service through the hurricane."
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach signed a “Declaration of Local Emergency” this afternoon, "triggering the local emergency operations plan and allowing the Mayor to restrict travel and loitering to protect the public and their property," a City spokesperson says.
The Declaration also authorizes the Mayor to request assistance from the County Chairman and Governor, "if needed to supplement local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster."
"While the Declaration allows the Mayor or his designee to set curfews and impose re-entry restrictions on certain areas, that authority has not been exercised at this time," the spokesperson says.
The Declaration also authorizes the Mayor to request assistance from the County Chairman and Governor, "if needed to supplement local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster."
"While the Declaration allows the Mayor or his designee to set curfews and impose re-entry restrictions on certain areas, that authority has not been exercised at this time," the spokesperson says.
As soon as practicable, GA Dept. of Transportation says it will initiate contra-flow plans for I-16 to assist in hurricane evacuation. ALL lanes of I-16 will be converted to westbound only to Dublin, Ga., a safety protocol put in place after the problematic Hurricane Floyd evacuation in 1999.
Be aware however that your exit options will be drastically limited.
Be aware however that your exit options will be drastically limited.
Gov. Nathan Deal appears to have superceded the Chatham Emergency Management Agency and has called for a full mandatory evacuation of all Georgia counties east of I-95 effective immediately.
GA DOT has contra-flowed I-16 to make all lanes flow westbound. Be aware your exit options off I-16 through to Dublin will be very limited.
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said in a statement, "We have opened inland shelters. They are listed on the City’s website at savannahga.gov, and on Savannah Government Television, Comcast Channel 8. These shelters will not be comfortable. They are shelters of last resort, for those who have no other alternative. If you can, find your own place inland to ride out the storm. Make room in your own house for friends and loved ones. If you need to use public shelters, and cannot get there on your own, make your way to the Savannah Civic Center. Buses will be available to take you to one of the shelters. If you can’t make it to the Civic Center, make your way to the nearest Chatham Area Transit Bus Stop. Starting at noon, they will take residents to the Civic Center."
Hurricane Matthew remains a threat to Chatham County. Hurricane Matthew is traveling north at 12 MPH.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
"Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater," CEMA says.
"Significant coastal flooding is possible mid to late week. High surf, large breaking waves are also possible," CEMA says.
As of this writing at approximately 9 a.m. Georgia Dept. of Transportation still has NOT shifted I-16 to full all-lanes-westbound mode. We will keep you posted.
The American Red Cross has opened a number of shelters across Georgia including the following:
· Bibb County: Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd, Macon, GA 31220
· Bibb County: North Macon Park, 815 North Macon Park Drive, Macon, GA 31220 (opening at 10 a.m.)
· Colquitt County: First Baptist Church, 400 Main St, Moultrie, GA 31768
· Emanuel County: Swainsboro Rec. Dept., 632 McLeod Bridge Rd, Swainsboro, GA 30401
· Lowndes County: Park Avenue Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602
· Peach County: Peach County Fire Station 6, 1770 US Hwy 341, Fort Valley, GA 31030
· Richmond County: Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904
"If someone is going to a shelter, they should bring any prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children such as diapers, formula and toys, and items needed by family members with unique needs," CEMA says.
Citizens with functional medical needs (FMN) should call the Chatham County Public Health Department at 912-691-7443 for help with finding resources.
Georgia Power has activated their emergency center. They have initialized preparedness efforts and are ready to respond to any power outages when safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org and www.chathamcounty.org
GA DOT has contra-flowed I-16 to make all lanes flow westbound. Be aware your exit options off I-16 through to Dublin will be very limited.
Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said in a statement, "We have opened inland shelters. They are listed on the City’s website at savannahga.gov, and on Savannah Government Television, Comcast Channel 8. These shelters will not be comfortable. They are shelters of last resort, for those who have no other alternative. If you can, find your own place inland to ride out the storm. Make room in your own house for friends and loved ones. If you need to use public shelters, and cannot get there on your own, make your way to the Savannah Civic Center. Buses will be available to take you to one of the shelters. If you can’t make it to the Civic Center, make your way to the nearest Chatham Area Transit Bus Stop. Starting at noon, they will take residents to the Civic Center."
Hurricane Matthew remains a threat to Chatham County. Hurricane Matthew is traveling north at 12 MPH.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
"Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater," CEMA says.
"Significant coastal flooding is possible mid to late week. High surf, large breaking waves are also possible," CEMA says.
As of this writing at approximately 9 a.m. Georgia Dept. of Transportation still has NOT shifted I-16 to full all-lanes-westbound mode. We will keep you posted.
The American Red Cross has opened a number of shelters across Georgia including the following:
· Bibb County: Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd, Macon, GA 31220
· Bibb County: North Macon Park, 815 North Macon Park Drive, Macon, GA 31220 (opening at 10 a.m.)
· Colquitt County: First Baptist Church, 400 Main St, Moultrie, GA 31768
· Emanuel County: Swainsboro Rec. Dept., 632 McLeod Bridge Rd, Swainsboro, GA 30401
· Lowndes County: Park Avenue Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602
· Peach County: Peach County Fire Station 6, 1770 US Hwy 341, Fort Valley, GA 31030
· Richmond County: Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904
"If someone is going to a shelter, they should bring any prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children such as diapers, formula and toys, and items needed by family members with unique needs," CEMA says.
Citizens with functional medical needs (FMN) should call the Chatham County Public Health Department at 912-691-7443 for help with finding resources.
Georgia Power has activated their emergency center. They have initialized preparedness efforts and are ready to respond to any power outages when safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org and www.chathamcounty.org
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency in coordination with local government has issued a voluntary evacuation order for islands east of the Wilmington River beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.
There is NO countywide evacuation at this time, due to current forecasts indicating an eastward turn of Hurricane Matthew.
The major issue anticipated for most citizens is possible power outage. Officials recommend having three days worth of food and water in contingency for those who decide to stay.
"Citizens can expect, at a minimum, gale force winds from Tybee Island to east of I-95," CEMA says. "Weather conditions could unexpectedly deteriorate and gale force winds could increase in speed. Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater."
Tybee Island has already issued a voluntary evacuation effective 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Most local events have been canceled/postponed, including the Tybee Island Pirate Fest (new date not determined), Midnight Garden Ride (rescheduled for Oct. 21), Oktoberfest on River Street (rescheduled for Oct. 28-30), First Friday Art March (canceled).
There is NO countywide evacuation at this time, due to current forecasts indicating an eastward turn of Hurricane Matthew.
The major issue anticipated for most citizens is possible power outage. Officials recommend having three days worth of food and water in contingency for those who decide to stay.
"Citizens can expect, at a minimum, gale force winds from Tybee Island to east of I-95," CEMA says. "Weather conditions could unexpectedly deteriorate and gale force winds could increase in speed. Any person that elects not to evacuate should be prepared to ride out the storm in a secure area with three days’ non- perishable provisions and adequate drinking water, given the potential for loss of power for 72 hours or greater."
Tybee Island has already issued a voluntary evacuation effective 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Most local events have been canceled/postponed, including the Tybee Island Pirate Fest (new date not determined), Midnight Garden Ride (rescheduled for Oct. 21), Oktoberfest on River Street (rescheduled for Oct. 28-30), First Friday Art March (canceled).
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
The latest National Hurricane Center forecast for Hurricane Matthew puts the major storm roughly 50 miles off the coast of Savannah Friday afternoon/evening.
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is at OPCON 3 Readiness Phase.
"CEMA has implemented an Elevate/Level 2 activation of the Emergency Operations Center at 8:00 AM today," says a spokesperson.
Community-wide preparation recommendations include:
Preparing partners, property and your family for storm conditions. Secure any items that can easily be blown around by strong winds.
Ensure fuel tanks are topped off and finalize personal emergency kits and communication plans.
Coordinate with family, friends and co-workers to ensure awareness and timing of storm potential.
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is at OPCON 3 Readiness Phase.
"CEMA has implemented an Elevate/Level 2 activation of the Emergency Operations Center at 8:00 AM today," says a spokesperson.
Community-wide preparation recommendations include:
Preparing partners, property and your family for storm conditions. Secure any items that can easily be blown around by strong winds.
Ensure fuel tanks are topped off and finalize personal emergency kits and communication plans.
Coordinate with family, friends and co-workers to ensure awareness and timing of storm potential.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police detectives arrested Wesley Biddings, 31, in connection to the earlier shooting that injured a man in the 400 block of Yamacraw Village Sept. 29.
Biddings is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
A second man was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of the shooting; however, his charges stem from disorderly conduct not directly related to the shooting.
Officers responded to a shooting that injured one adult male at approximately 5:30 p.m., Sept. 29.
The shooting victim was transported to Memorial University Medical Center with serious injuries.
"Area residents pointed police toward a male suspect who had fled the scene on foot and a second male suspect who fled to a nearby apartment. The suspect who fled on foot was quickly apprehended," police report.
"The second suspect entered an occupied apartment; officers were able to safely remove three children from the residence before apprehending the suspect," police say.
Biddings is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
A second man was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of the shooting; however, his charges stem from disorderly conduct not directly related to the shooting.
Officers responded to a shooting that injured one adult male at approximately 5:30 p.m., Sept. 29.
The shooting victim was transported to Memorial University Medical Center with serious injuries.
"Area residents pointed police toward a male suspect who had fled the scene on foot and a second male suspect who fled to a nearby apartment. The suspect who fled on foot was quickly apprehended," police report.
"The second suspect entered an occupied apartment; officers were able to safely remove three children from the residence before apprehending the suspect," police say.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police responded to a domestic shooting at approximately 4:30 p.m., Sept. 27, in the 700 block of Yamacraw Village, near the intersection of Fahm and Zubley Streets.
"The suspect, Iyontai Tovarise Walker, 22, is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a black male, approximately 6-feet, 3-inches tall, and 190 pounds. He also has a distinctive tattoo on his neck, which reads 'BO$,'" police say.
The shooting victims are a 28-year-old female and her 8-year-old daughter. Both received serious, but non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Memorial University Medical Center. The mother and child are currently listed in stable condition.
"Overnight, detectives secured warrants for Walker’s arrest. He is wanted for two counts of aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon."
"The suspect, Iyontai Tovarise Walker, 22, is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a black male, approximately 6-feet, 3-inches tall, and 190 pounds. He also has a distinctive tattoo on his neck, which reads 'BO$,'" police say.
The shooting victims are a 28-year-old female and her 8-year-old daughter. Both received serious, but non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Memorial University Medical Center. The mother and child are currently listed in stable condition.
"Overnight, detectives secured warrants for Walker’s arrest. He is wanted for two counts of aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon."
