News Summary
Winter Storm Enzo has hit Augusta, forcing schools to close and creating dangerously icy road conditions. Students across various counties are engaged in remote learning while authorities report numerous vehicular accidents due to the storm. Augusta city services are adjusting operations for safety, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel as the region deals with the aftermath of the storm.
Winter Storm Enzo Causes Havoc in Augusta – Schools Shut Down and Roads Unsafe
Augusta, brace yourself – Winter Storm Enzo has decided to drop in and disrupt our lives! For the past two days, schools across the Augusta area have had to close their doors early or even shut down completely. It seems that this storm wasn’t just a light dusting; it really packed a punch with some areas seeing a good 1-3 inches of snow. And while some snow may have melted, the icy road conditions are still raising alarms for residents and officials alike.
School Closures and Remote Learning
Let’s talk about the kiddos! Aiken County students will continue their remote learning on Thursday as safety concerns keep them from heading back to school. Meanwhile, Aiken Technical College has announced a delayed start for employees, who are expected to report to work by 10 a.m. However, students will remain engaged in remote activities. Over at Augusta Technical College, students will have the day off – the college will be closed but plans to reopen on Friday. Augusta University is also opting for remote learning on Thursday, and in-person activities have been canceled. The Housing and Residence Life team is on standby to provide any updates to those living on campus.
Similarly, Burke County students will hunker down at home for continued remote learning, while 12-month personnel should take the day off. Columbia County schools are officially closed for Thursday, and all after-school activities have been canceled as well, but there’s hope for a tentative reopening on Friday. McDuffie County schools join the trend, having students work on their previous assignments at home as well.
Richmond County students will also tackle their lessons from home, and all extracurricular events are canceled. Teachers will be reaching out via platforms like Remind and Canvas, ensuring that nobody falls behind despite the snowy circumstances. Meanwhile, USC Aiken has decided to close its doors too but will provide remote learning, making sure that employees can work from the comfort of their homes. An update on Friday’s schedule is underway.
Road Conditions and Safety Concerns
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the roads! Winter Storm Enzo has wreaked havoc on travel with reports of over 70 vehicular accidents in the Augusta area alone. The National Weather Service has recorded snowfall up to 1-2 inches across Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken counties, with Waynesboro getting the most at around 3 inches.
As for the drivers out there, the Georgia Department of Transportation is on the case, diligently working to clear snow from major routes in east-central Georgia. Although I-20 and Bobby Jones Expressway are reportedly passable, safety experts are urging everyone to use extreme caution. Icy patches are hiding everywhere, so think twice before making any unnecessary trips.
City Services and Community Precautions
For those who need to head out, Augusta city offices are delaying their opening until noon for employee safety. However, the Augusta Commission meeting is still on for 12:30 p.m., so those involved can plan accordingly. Also, it’s good to know that Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center is managing to remain open. They are, however, delaying the opening of their ambulatory clinics until 10 a.m. Most medical employees are expected to report to work while encouraging others to do their tasks remotely.
In the spirit of preparation, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office has stepped up, deploying extra officers and keeping a keen eye on high-priority roads to ensure everyone stays safe during this icy episode.
Residents, remember that this is the second winter storm to hit Augusta this month; the first one back on January 10 left us with just about an inch. It’s clear that the weather is holding nothing back. So if you’re planning to venture out, make sure to prioritize safety – it’s best to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, especially as night falls. Drive carefully everyone, and let’s hope Winter Storm Enzo moves on soon!
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Snowfall Reports
- WRDW: City Services Amid Snow
- WFXG: Winter Storm Blankets CSRA
- WJBF: Second Round of Snow
- News Leader: Winter Storm Warning
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
