The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is predicting the possibility of strong tropical storm winds from Hurricane Idalia in excess of 70 mph with the potential for hurricane force winds and 6-8 inches of rain occurring Wednesday, August 30, 2023 8:00AM – 8:00PM. The degree of weather Douglas and Coffee County will receive depends on the path that Hurricane Idalia takes and is subject to change. Currently, the path is showing that Douglas-Coffee County will have a direct impact and Douglas is under a Tropical Storm watch. As the storm makes it way to our area, the City of Douglas is preparing for the severe weather which will include damaging winds which could lead to downed trees and powerlines.
City Hall, Parks & Recreation, and non-essential offices will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Public Safety, Douglas Utilities, and Public Works will cease most operations once winds are higher than 35 mph. Douglas Municipal Airport operations will be closed. At this time, there is no mandatory closures, however industries/commercial/businesses are asked to voluntarily close and to keep the safety of employees in mind when planning business hours over the next few days. The city is ready to declare a state of emergency through the county if needed to mandate businesses to close.
Generators are in place for the city sewer plant, county water system, radio system, and major lift stations with more generators enroute to the city expected to arrive late Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The city has 2.5 million gallons of water stored in the air. Cell service is likely to be affected. Areas in Douglas that are low lying and need to request sandbags, please go to the Public Works building located at 100 Public Works Way (off the 206 Connector) to receive 10 bags per person while supplies last.
Power outages are expected to occur in the city as well as Coffee County. If you live in the city limits of Douglas and you experience a power outage, please report it by dial 3-1-1 or calling (912)384-3302, however, utility linemen will not work on restoring power if winds are in excess of 35 miles per hour due to safety issues. When the power goes out, please do not call for every house. When it is safe for linemen to work to restore power, damages will be assessed and work to restore power will begin. The city has a Pike Electric crew stationed here and additional electrical crews are actively being sought to assist with restoring power. Report traffic light outages (if a traffic light is out, 4 way stop rules apply) and downed powerlines. NEVER attempt to move a downed power line.
A local shelter (not Red Cross) will be open beginning Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 5:00AM at Central Square Gym (200 S. Madison Avenue). This shelter will provide minimal comforts at the beginning stages of opening. It is important that you bring your own medicines, snacks, toiletries, diapers, etc. If damage is severe, the shelter will transform into full operations and provide meals to those held over in the shelter.
Schools are closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. All non-emergent, elective testing, and procedures scheduled at Coffee Regional Medical Center for Wednesday, August 30, 2023 will be rescheduled. The scheduling department will contact those patients to reschedule.
Citizens should be prepared for this approaching storm. Some electrical outages may last for 12-24 hours up to several days depending on the severity of storm damage. Be mindful and watch for Emergency Responders who are out during the storm trying to keep others safe. Gas up all vehicles and go to the ATM for cash before the storm hits. Prepare for storm winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. Move or secure trash cans, lawn furniture, hanging plants, trampolines, or anything that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. Make sure you have emergency supplies such as an emergency preparedness kit, first aid kit, food and non-perishables, emergency equipment such as generators or flashlights/batteries, water for drinking and cooking, and charge your mobile phone or laptop. Acquire a reliable source of weather information which can be a weather radio, cell phone alerts, radio or television.
If you do not have to be out in the weather conditions, avoid traveling. If you are on the road, be especially careful of bridges and areas that water is over the road. DO NOT attempt to drive your vehicle through water that is across a roadway, turn around or seek another route to your destination. Tornado watches may be issued for our area which means the weather conditions are favorable for tornado activity. If a tornado warning is issued that means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to a basement, storm cellar, or windowless interior room.
For more information regarding the storm locally, call the Coffee County EMA at 912-389-1705 or 912-384-5440. Additional resources for weather information include webpages: https://www.weather.gov/jax/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonville, https://twitter.com/NWSJacksonville, or download other local weather apps.
For all NON-EMERGENCY related issues such as power outages, downed power lines, water over the roadway or downed trees, please contact the Customer Care Center by dialing 3-1-1 or 912-384-3302. For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
