Lowndes County Emergency Management shared the following statement regarding storm recovery at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday:

 

Today’s recovery efforts have been significant. Local government road crews and power crews have worked closely together today to coordinate the clearing of roads and power lines so that services could be restored and infrastructure opened.

Please continue to ask residents to refrain from touring the community to look at damage. This additional traffic slows down repair and restoration efforts. Also, while there are very few traffic signals still out, please remind residents to treat them like a four-way stop until they are restored.

POWER

Update: A substantial number of power customers have been restored today. Some of the remaining locations without power are due to some locations needing more extensive repairs. Many thanks to everyone for their patience related to these efforts.

As of 5 p.m., there are just less than 14,000 customers without power community wide. Approximately 13,000 customers were restored today.

ROADS

Update Unincorporated Lowndes County- Lowndes County Public Works began with 90 roads in the unincorporated area this morning that had to be addressed. As of now, public works has addressed all of these roads. There are 29 of them waiting for the power companies to handle the lines in trees so that the trees can be cleared and power restored. This list continues to be fluid as public works is standing by to address these roads immediately after the power companies are ready for them.

 

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Update: Due to forestry assisting with recovery efforts across the state, Georgia Forestry has issued a state-wide burn ban. It is illegal to burn in Georgia without a permit. The temporary amendment of the county’s burn ban does not mean residents can burn without a permit. Permits can be obtained once forestry has lifted the ban, by calling 1-866-OK2-BURN.

PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE

Residents that lost power in their homes for an extended period of time should check the temperatures in their refrigerator and freezer once power is restored. If they’re still at safe temperatures, the food should be fine. Discard any perishable food that has been above 41F for two hours or more. Visit georgiaeh.us for detailed information.

Food service permit holders that experienced a power service interruption should verify the temperatures of all coolers prior to reopening. The temperature for perishable foods should maintain 41F or below. Discard all perishable food items that are above 41F. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

If a private well was flooded during the storm, residents should contact Lowndes County Health Department for guidance on chlorination procedures at 245-2314.

REPAIRS

There have been no changes since the message released this morning.

SCHOOLS

Update: This information has been released by local schools. Please contact schools directly for additional information. The Valdosta City Schools have cancelled the 6th grade football game. School officials indicated the game will be rescheduled.

FLOODING

The flooding forecast has not changed since this morning.