Windy Conditions Expected in Augusta Due to Hurricane Milton
Today in Augusta, residents might want to brace themselves for some impactful winds blowing in from Hurricane Milton. Meteorologists are warning that these winds could exacerbate the situation for those still facing power outages due to the recent extreme weather. “We could see winds around 30 miles an hour, which typically isn’t really that impactful at those speeds,” shared Chris Rohrbach, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina. But there’s a bit of concern as the community recovers from the damages caused by Hurricane Helene just a while back.
Power Restoration Under Threat
Rohrbach explained that even though 30 mph winds may not usually raise alarm bells, the combination of loose limbs and power lines still in peril means that these gusts could knock down trees or branches, leading to further interruptions in power restoration efforts. “Our concern is that with the number of power outages still remaining, trees still hung up on power lines, even these winds could be strong enough to knock down trees or limbs potentially making power outages worse.” This could be a heavy blow for residents who have already been struggling to get their lives back to normal.
The Wind and Weather Outlook
The good news is that the windy conditions should start to taper off as the day goes on, with gusts expected to drop to around 5 mph later this evening. So, it looks like we’re in for a breezy afternoon, but things will calm down by tonight. “The impact is kind of removed from Hurricane Milton itself,” Rohrbach noted. “But it is related. We’re not going to see any rain or anything like that from Milton. However, we will see a few high clouds.” It seems Augusta residents can be grateful for the good fortune of escaping any rain from the hurricane.
Staying Safe During the Windy Conditions
For those still without electricity and relying on generators for heat, safety becomes particularly important. “For people still using generators to heat their homes, make sure they’re kept outside,” advised Rohrbach. He added, “People shouldn’t use charcoal grills. We actually see a lot of problems with carbon monoxide poisoning from people trying to use their grills inside to keep warm.” So, if you’re thinking about heating your home with a grill, it might be a good idea to reconsider that plan for safety’s sake!
The Weekend Weather Forecast
As for the rest of the week, the weather looks pleasantly mild. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thursday: High of 75°F, Low of 50°F
- Friday: High of 74°F, Low of 48°F
- Saturday: High of 78°F, Low of 49°F
- Sunday: High of 82°F, Low of 60°F
With temperatures settling into a comfortable range, Augusta can look forward to a pleasant weekend, providing a welcome reprieve after the recent hurricanes.
Stay safe out there, Augusta! Keep an eye on those trees and enjoy the mild weather. Remember to take care of each other as we all work to get back to normal.