BRACING FOR IMPACT

Hurricane Ian is coming to Camden County, and the Camden County Board of Commissioners have declared a state of emergency before the storm arrives.

According to the National Weather Service, the hurricane’s eye will pass just east of Camden County on Friday morning. The weather service predicts the hurricane will weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches Camden County, but does project the area could receive 6-15 inches of rainfall. Winds could reach 39-73 mph, according to the weather service.

“There is a lot of teamwork going on,” Camden County spokeswoman Claire Feazel said.

Camden County government offices were closed Wednesday through Friday, as were offices for St. Marys, Kingsland and Woodbine.

“First and foremost, we took the opportunity (Wednesday) to close the schools, the government offices, to signal to employers and the public the importance that we should take this time today to prepare our homes, family, review emergency plans and ensure you have enough gas, food and water, and if you need medications critical to your health, that you get those filled,” Camden County Emergency Management Director Chuck White said.

Camden County officials encouraged residents who live in low-lying areas to evacuate.

“They don’t need to go somewhere far away,” Feazel said. “They may need to go somewhere in the western part of the county, a hotel in that area. But that is a voluntary effort.”

The impact of the storm was expected to impact Camden County as early as Wednesday, with heavy rain, flooding, strong wind and an increasing threat of tornadoes, according to a news release from the county.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather at nhc.noaa.gov and sign up for Camden County’s CodeRED Emergency Notification System at camdencountyga.gov/CodeRED.

Camden County Schools also closed Wednesday for the week and all extracurricular activities were postponed or canceled until next week.

“Camden County school officials have closely monitored the weather and partnered with Camden County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to determine the best course of action regarding school closures in response to Hurricane Ian and the potential impact to our community,” a news release from the school district said.

The school district said it could not “safely run our buses” with winds expected to reach up to 40 mph Wednesday afternoon.

“The safety of our students, employees and their families will always be our first priority,” the school district said.

The College of Coastal Georgia shifted all classes to online Wednesday through Friday, and the campus was closed Thursday through Saturday.

The Camden County Health Department suspended operations Wednesday through Friday, as well. Health departments in other counties – Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh – are closed Thursday and Friday. The Coastal Health District and all of its office expect to resume operations Monday.

Hurricane Ian also forced the closure of Cumberland Island National Seashore and the postponement of the 47th annual Seafood Festival in downtown St. Marys. The festival is rescheduled for Oct. 15.

Sand and sand bags were available in four locations earlier this week. Hundreds of residents brought shoves to fill sandbags in anticipation of the storm.

White commended all of the municipalities, as well as Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, the National Park Service, Camden County Schools and the Camden County Sheriff’s Office for “providing support to this unified command process.”

“All of the community, I think it is an important message that we’re speaking with one voice,” White said.

White said road clearing will begin as soon as it’s safe for county and city workers.

“Our priorities are going to be primary and secondary roads,” White said. “It’s never as fast as anybody wants. It’s basically a triage. We have to do the most for the many. We’ll work the densely populated areas and work our way where there is more sparse population.”