News Summary

A severe storm hit the Central Savannah River Area, leading to one fatality and extensive damage, particularly in Banks County. The storm brought down trees and caused power outages impacting thousands of residents. Local officials emphasize the need for hurricane preparedness as recovery efforts begin. The region remains under a FIRST ALERT for potential severe weather in the coming days.

CSRA, Georgia – A severe storm that swept through the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) on Saturday night resulted in one fatality and extensive damage across the region. Meteorologists had issued a FIRST ALERT warning ahead of the storm, indicating the potential for dangerous weather with high winds and significant rainfall.

The storm’s impact was felt most acutely in Banks County, Georgia, where Jason Keith Payne, a 56-year-old man, was tragically killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle while he was driving on Georgia Highway 51. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after the incident.

In Aiken County, damage was widespread, with numerous trees downed that blocked roads in the Rapids neighborhood of North Augusta. Debris from a shed was reported blown into a road, further complicating local traffic. Approximately 4,000 customers in Aiken County experienced power outages due to the storm, with 2,000 Georgia Power customers in Augusta also affected. These outages extended from Exit 1 of Interstate 20 to Martintown Road and Georgia Avenue, causing disruptions throughout the area. Employees at a local Waffle House were seen waiting outside as they were unable to open due to the power loss.

The storm has prompted officials to issue reminders about hurricane preparedness, as the official hurricane season has just begun. As recovery efforts continue, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended condolences for the life lost due to the storm’s fury.

A FIRST ALERT is still in effect as the region faces potential severe weather on Sunday and Monday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the CSRA at a s slight risk (2 out of 5) for further severe thunderstorms. The primary concerns for the upcoming days include the threat of damaging winds and the possibility of large hail, as weather conditions remain unpredictable.

This storm serves as a stark reminder of the need for residents to stay alert and prepared for severe weather in the coming weeks. As conditions continue to evolve, community members are urged to remain informed through local weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and that of their families.

As recovery efforts begin in earnest, local authorities are assessing the damage and mobilizing resources to assist affected residents. Emergency services are actively working to clear roads and restore power where safe and possible. Community updates are expected as conditions improve, and response efforts are organized.

In light of the ongoing weather threats, residents in the CSRA should monitor local weather reports diligently and remain prepared for any additional emergency notifications as the potential for severe thunderstorms continues through the region during this period.

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Severe Storm Causes Fatality and Damage in CSRA

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Author: hereaiken