Liberty County Schools will remain closed Monday school system officials announced.
Georgia Power is reporting there are still 75 outages in Liberty County, affecting more than 6,100 of nearly 17,900 customers served. Georgia Power is estimating some customers may be without power until Wednesday evening.
In Long County, there are 26 outages, and more than 1,500 out of nearly 2,600 customers served are affected.
Georgia Power has determined Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history damaging infrastructure across the state. Initial damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 5,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 9,000+ spans of wire equivalent to an estimated 425 miles
- 500+ transformers
- 1,500+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Coastal EMC reports that nearly 2,300 of its almost 7,000 Liberty County customers remain affected. Of Canocchee EMC’s 30,500 customers, more than 18,000 are still without power.
Liberty County Emergency Management Agency officials said most county roads are open to travel at various degrees.
Those who find it necessary to travel should do so very cautiously as storm debris and power lines are still present.
Debris teams will be canvassing the county today to assess manpower needs to begin clean-up. County convenience centers will be open once again to receive material.
EMA officials remind residents not to mix storm debris with other items.
Following past storm events some residents have been approached by contractors claiming to represent a government entity with the promise that they will be reimbursed for their payment. Please be aware that no contractors engaged by state, local, or federal agencies will demand payment in this manner.
Damage assessment teams will continue to work today cataloging property losses.
If you need assistance cleaning damages from Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386. Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers' experience.
Georgia Power is encouraging customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before power can be reconnected.