Below is the press release from the 4:30 p.m. press conference held today (October 8) by Chatham Emergency Management Agency.
News Release
For Immediate Release
UPDATE IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE MATTHEW IN CHATHAM COUNTY
Savannah, GA – (October 8, 2016 at 4:30 pm)
Conditions remain unsafe.
“We’re encouraging everyone to stay sheltered,” said Chatham County Commission Chairman Al Scott. “The safety of our citizens is paramount.”
After making these statement this morning on his way to the Savannah Civic Center, Chairman Scott made personal visits around the county to determine the extent of the damages. After doing so, Scott pledged the all the resources of Chatham County and has formally requested the assistance of state and federal authorities.
As the extent of damage is becoming clear, Hurricane Matthew substantially impact the economic livelihood on Chatham County for years to come. Road closures, power outages and a disruption to normal life continue and will for months to come.
FOR TODAY, DO NOT RETURN TO CHATHAM COUNTY AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE IN CHATHAM COUNTY, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PLACE OF SHELTER. CEMA WILL UPDATE YOU TOMORROW MORNING.
Georgia State Patrol flew helicopters over the entire coastal section for road assessment and that information has been provided to road clearance crews as well as those in charge of infrastructure repair. The images are being used by CEMA and its affiliates for a multitude of purposes.
The Georgia Department of Transportation continues to stress residents should not assume that roads are not safe because of fallen trees, downed power lines, and significant debris still are present. The county’s road clearing crews are being hindered by the general public attempting to move throughout the county against the orders of officials. Georgia Power cannot repair down lines until the roads are clear. Attempts to return home or to move about are stopping the progress all citizens seek.
Should you ignore these orders and drive, please treat all traffic control signals without electricity as four way stops. Do not enter an intersection without exercising due care.
All first responders have resumed services throughout the county.
Infrastructure repair being handled by County and CEMA staff continues in full swing. The extent and timing of re-entry will be announced after a safety assessment is complete. While progress has been made, it is not complete at this time. The Georgia Department of Transportation are opening limited portions of Interstate 95 and Interstate 16 that were closed due to flooding and trees across the road. However, the Talmadge, Bull River and Thunderbolt bridges are closed.
Please remember that a nightly curfew remains in effect. That curfew has been extended through Monday at sunrise. This curfew will be enforced by all law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Likewise, Bloomingdale has issued a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week until further notice.
Water services by private providers in Chatham County were not operational but progress has been made. Those providers are working to fix the systems.
All Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and Administrative Offices remain closed for students and staff through Tuesday. As re-entry phases are implemented, only critical and essential workforce are to report as directed by his or her supervisor.
Residents can assess the roads closed in the community by visiting the Chatham County Government Website at www.chathamcounty.org/road-closures.
As the evacuation showed, planning and execution are key: County residents were able to flee the storm without traffic jams or injury. We are asking everyone to cooperate with emergency managers to ensure a safe and timely return.
Phase 1 of re-entry is fully under way. Citizens can assist in this effort by remaining in their shelters. Recovery assistance from various agencies around the state and nation are en route to Chatham County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that prior to the storm it staged equipment and supplies to provide support.
Remember, your health is important to us. Don’t walk into standing or flowing flood water, which can carry health hazards. Electrocution is also a real fear as power lines are downed throughout the county. There will be additional information released on these precautions tonight.
Finally, CEMA is aware of the needs of the population that remained in Chatham County. Baby formula, non-perishable foods, water, household items and cleaning supplies are all in demand for some residents who did not evacuate. Likewise, numerous people and companies from inside and outside the county, have attempted to donate and volunteer.
Since the 10 a.m. press conference, staff has been fully dedicated to opening a shelter here in Chatham County. It is expected that an announcement about that shelter will occur later tonight.
“The winds and rain from Hurricane Matthew subsides less than 8 hours ago. Since that time, CEMA has fully shifted to recovery and re-entry mode and I am pleased with the progress made in this short time. I am hopefully that state and federal authorities will answer our calls for assistance as this is the worst storm to hit Chatham County in more than 100 years.” said Lee Smith, County Manager.
Residents who evacuated will be notified on how to return when conditions are safe. For information on returning to Chatham County, go tohttp://www.chathamemergency.org/evacuation-information/cema-establishes-evacuation-re.php
If you believe a relative might have evacuated, check http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief/contact-and-locate-loved-ones
As always, for the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org, www.chathamcounty.org, www.savannahga.gov
5:30 p.m., October 8
The Landings Association has received reports of broken gas lines throughout The Landings. Emergency crews are looking into these leaks. Residents who still are on the island are urged to stay inside as these leaks could be very dangerous.
In other storm news, following are a few highlights from today’s (October 8) 4:30 p.m. press conference held by Emergency Management Agency (CEMA). CEMA plans to have more details regarding re-entry tomorrow (October 9) in a 10 a.m. press conference.
- Hurricane Matthew is the biggest storm to hit Chatham County in the last 100 years.
- There still are 119,000 Chatham County residents without power.
- To report damage to your home or downed power lines call 912-201-4500
- To find out more about re-entry call 912-644-8811
- There have been two confirmed deaths in Chatham County (one on Wilmington Island and the other on Isle of Hope) as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
We will continue to provide storm updates as more details become available. In addition to our emails, please view the news portion of our website, and follow us on our Facebook, and Twitter pages.
1:50 p.m., October 8
Please note:
The Landings Association has limited personnel in the community, as we are working to assess overall damage and clear major roads to make them passable for utility and other crews.
We do not have the personnel available to check all 4,000 homes in our community at this point.
Please stay off the roads and out of the way of the work crews.
This is what many of the roads currently look like:
When we learn more information, we will continue to provide it to all.
Meanwhile, the following update comes from CEMA:
UPDATE IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE MATTHEW IN CHATHAM COUNTY
Savannah, GA – (October 8, 2016)
Conditions remain unsafe.
“We’re encouraging everyone to stay sheltered,” said Chatham County Commission Chairman Al Scott. “The safety of our citizens is paramount.”
While the extent of damage is unknown, it is clear Hurricane Matthew had a substantial impact on Chatham County. Road closures, power outages and a disruption to normal life continue. DO NOT RETURN TO CHATHAM COUNTY AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE IN CHATHAM COUNTY, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PLACE OF SHELTER.
Georgia State Patrol is flying helicopters over the entire coastal section for road assessment. Those flights are in progress and include a live stream which is being shared with CEMA and its affiliates.
The Georgia Department of Transportation continues to stress that roads are not safe because of fallen trees, downed power lines, and significant debris. The county’s road clearing crews are being hindered by the general public attempting to move throughout the county against the orders of officials. Georgia Power cannot repair down lines until the roads are clear. Attempts to return home or to move about are stopping the progress all citizens seek.
EMS services and other first responders are returning to the streets as storm force winds subside. Southside EMS is up and functional to the extent that roads are open.
Infrastructure repair being handled by County and CEMA staff is in full swing. The extent and timing of re-entry will be announced after a safety assessment is complete. It is not complete at this time. The Georgia Department of Transportation reports that Interstate 95 and Interstate 16 are closed due to flooding and trees across the road. The Talmadge, Bull River and Thunderbolt bridges are closed.
Please remember that a nightly curfew remains in effect. That curfew has been extended through October 9, 2016. This curfew will be enforced by all law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Port Wentworth has also issued a curfew from dusk to dawn. Likewise, Bloomingdale has issued a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week until further notice.
Residents can assess the roads closed in the community by visiting the Chatham County Government Website at http://www.chathamcounty.org/road-closures.
CEMA is executing its four-step plan. As the evacuation showed, planning and execution are key: County residents were able to flee the storm without traffic jams or injury. We are asking everyone to cooperate with emergency managers to ensure a safe and timely return.
Phase 1 of re-entry is under way. Citizens can assist in this effort by remaining in their shelters. Recovery assistance from various agencies around the state and nation are en route to Chatham County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that prior to the storm it staged equipment and supplies to provide support.
Remember, your health is important to us. Don’t walk into standing or flowing flood water, which can carry health hazards. Electrocution is also a real fear as power lines are downed throughout the county.
Finally, CEMA is aware of the needs of the population that remained in Chatham County. Baby formula, non-perishable foods, water, household items and cleaning supplies are all in demand for some residents who did not evacuate. Likewise, numerous people and companies from inside and outside the county, have attempted to donate and volunteer.
“Simply put, we are not ready for that yet,” Scott said. “First, we have to determine safety.”
A 4:30 p.m. news conference will provide greater detail on the CEMA recovery plan.
“We understand our residents are anxious to see the extent of the damage to homes and property, and we are working diligently to restore normalcy,” said Lee Smith, Chatham County administrator. “I would like to encourage patience and cooperation as we work through this together.”
Residents who evacuated will be notified on how to return when conditions are safe. For information on returning to Chatham County, go to http://www.chathamemergency.org/evacuation-information/cema-establishes-evacuation-re.php
If you believe a relative might have evacuated, check http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief/contact-and-locate-loved-ones
As always, for the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org, www.chathamcounty.org, www.savannahga.gov
Sat, 10/08/2016 – 12:49pm
The Landings Association strongly urges all residents who evacuated to follow Chatham Emergency Management Agency’s protocol and do not attempt to re-enter The Landings.
Work is underway to clear the streets but at this time many are not passable. Utilities, Incorporated of Georgia (UGI) has informed The Landings Association they still are assessing the water system. It is very likely that sanitary sewer (toilets) may not function properly for the next 12-to-24 hours because some lift stations are without power and have to be manually pumped down.
Please be patient, and we will continue to provide details as more information becomes available.
In the photos below, Landings Association Public Works and BrightView Crews work to make roads passable.
Sat, 10/08/2016 – 11:28am
Understandably, many property owners are concerned about the condition of their homes and eager to return to The Landings. As of this writing, Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) does not know when re-entry into Chatham County will be possible. CEMA reports road blocks are set up to prevent such entry as they access and secure the area.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) will issue a reentry advisory, and The Landings Association also will advise property owners when Phase 1 and 2 (please see FAQs below) have commenced and been completed via an email bulletin, our website, Facebook, and Twitter. Remember, you also can call the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Reentry Hotline 1-855-880-2362. Please only call 911 for emergencies. Reports of damage and flooding should be directed to CEMA’s Emergency Operations Center (912-201-4500).
If you did not evacuate and still are in The Landings, it is important that you stay off the roads so emergency crews can get through easier to assess damage. This includes all vehicular traffic (e.g., cars, trucks, and golf carts) and foot traffic.
Some streets remain blocked, and we request your patience as we work through the community. It is important not to walk through flood waters, as they may be contaminated.
The Savannah-Chatham Public School System will remain closed for at least Monday and Tuesday (October 10&11).
We will continue to provide updates as we learn more. Thank you for your patience, and please stay safe.
Sat, 10/08/2016 – 7:11am
Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) now reports power outages are affecting almost 280,000 people in Chatham County alone.
If you stayed behind, CEMA says to report power outages to Georgia Power to help determine resources needed in the area 888-891-0938 or https://www.georgiapower.com/in-your-community/storm-center/report-outag…
Meanwhile, Landings Association personnel are waiting for daylight and for the winds to decrease before heading out to assess the damage. We will provide updates as they become available.
Winds are still bad, so for those who stayed behind, stay inside.
Sat, 10/08/2016 – 6:08am
The Landings Association just received the following update from Chatham Emergency Management Agency:
News Release
For Immediate Release
Chatham County Update of Hurricane Matthew
Savannah, GA – (October 8, 2016) 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.
Storm response will now shift to rendering the area safe for follow-on first responders conducting life safety operations.
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 track
According to the National Weather Service, the eye of Hurricane Matthew is now 20 miles off the coast of Hilton Head, S.C.
The storm is moving toward the north-northeast near 12 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue this morning. A turn toward the northeast is expected by this afternoon.
On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will move near or over the coast of South Carolina this morning, and be near the coast of southern North Carolina by tonight.
Reports from the reconnaissance aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 105 mph with higher gusts. Although the hurricane is forecast to weaken during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to remain a hurricane while the center is near the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Hurricane-force wind gusts are now occurring along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina from Tybee Island, Ga., to Pritchards Island, S.C.
Chatham County Residents are strongly advised to continue to shelter in place until officials advise that it is safe to go outdoors.
Gov. Nathan Deal’s mandatory evacuation order remains in effect.
American Red Cross shelters remain open and continue to accept evacuees. More information about shelter occupancy is available at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter
As always, for the most up-to-date information, check www.chathamemergency.org, www.chathamcounty.org, www.savannahga.gov
