RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) – Richmond Hill staff and officials are working in collaboration with Bryan County Emergency Management officials to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene.
The city is under a Tropical Storm Warning and Tornado Watch as Hurricane Helene prepares to barrel across the Lowcountry. Three to four inches of rain is projected in the area, and tropical storm force gusts of up to 62 miles per hour are expected.
“Public works has been working tirelessly to prepare, clearing drainage ditches and storm drains throughout the city,” said Mayor Russ Carpenter. “First responders are working extra shifts throughout the duration of the storm.”
The City has made the following key updates available to the public:
- Joint Press Conference: Today at 4:30 p.m., Bryan County Government, the City of Richmond Hill, and the City of Pembroke, will hold a joint press conference about Hurricane Helene and its potential impacts on Bryan County. The conference will be held at the Commission Chambers, Bryan County Administrative Building at 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive, Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324.
- City Closures: City administrative offices will be closing at 2:00 pm today. Critical staff and first responders will remain on duty. Further closures will be announced on their website and official social media channels.
- Park Closures: The trail, playground and pavilion at J.F. Gregory Park and Sterling Creek Park will be closed at 12 pm today. Both parks will be assessed for damages and repair (if needed) after the storm has passed.
- Sandbags: In preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, the City of Richmond Hill is providing sand and sandbags for residents at the former GDOT lot on Timber Trail, near Port Drive. Residents are expected to fill their own bags. Also, please remember to bring your own shovels.
- Public Works: Public Works crews are diligently working hard to prepare our city for the impending effects of Helene. They ask that residents do not place yard debris out for collection. The City is expecting some strong wind gusts and yard debris can get blown into the storm drains and cause drainage issues.
Other updates and safety tips for residents can be found on Richmond Hill’s official website.
