Columbia County, GA Emergency Management Agency

05/19/2026

🚨Public Notice May 19, 2026🚨

We want to make our community aware that the smoke some of you may be seeing and smelling in the area is not from a fire in Columbia County.

A 209-acre controlled hazard reduction burn is taking place in southern McCormick County, sending a noticeable cloud of smoke across the Savannah River toward the lake.

Our wind direction should push smoke toward the lake.

05/08/2026

A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

For more tips, visit https://www.noaa.gov/use-caution-after-storms

05/07/2026

National Hurricane Preparedness Week: The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late.

Learn more at https://www.noaa.gov/prepare-before-hurricane-season.

05/06/2026

Week is a great time to make a plan. Do you know what you’ll do, where you’ll go, & how you’ll stay safe if a storm threatens? Think through your next steps — a simple plan can help you act quickly and be prepared.

Visit: www.ready.gov/plan

05/06/2026

Thunderstorms will develop to our west today and move into the CSRA tonight through tomorrow morning. Another round of thunderstorms is possible Thursday afternoon.

Thunderstorms will develop to our west today and move into the CSRA and central SC tonight through tomorrow morning. Another round of thunderstorms is possible Thursday afternoon.

Severe weather and flash flooding cannot be ruled out in either round of storms but the threat remains marginal (Level 1 of 5)

05/06/2026

National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Prepare for hurricane season by knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s path, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more.

Learn more at https://www.noaa.gov/understand-forecast-information.

05/04/2026

Today is the first day of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where YOU live and work.

Learn more at https://www.noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind

04/30/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Major Steve Morris at his residence early this morning. Steve served the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office honorably since July 20, 1987. As the Management Services Bureau Commander and longtime Public Information Officer, he was known and respected by many. His loss creates a void that will be difficult to fill. We appreciate your support and prayers for his family and co-workers. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.

04/29/2026

🚨 EVENT CANCELATION: 5th Annual Public Safety & Preparedness Fair 🚨Saturday May 2nd.

Unfortunately, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 5th Annual Public Safety and Preparedness Fair. The rain in the park this week and what is projected over the southeast this weekend would create a logistical nightmare for our patrons and participants.

Moreover, the predicted weather forecast carries with it temperatures in the mid-50s and steady rain the entire time of the fair.

A big thank you to everyone who had it in their plans to take part in our event. Whether a vendor, a partner, a patron or those of us who just love discussing the world of preparedness and riding fair rides, our apologies for a difficult decision.

We look forward to bringing the fair back in 2027!!!

04/23/2026

Stagnant high pressure, plus wildfires to our west, has resulted in increasingly poor air quality across the area. An Air Quality Alert is in place from 10a through 8p this evening for this.