Effingham County is actively preparing for the hurricane season, which started on June 1, by conducting interagency meetings and allocating resources for potential storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated a 60% chance of a busier-than-average storm season this year, adding urgency to the preparations.
Shana Smith, coordinator for the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the importance of preparation, recalling the significant impact last year when Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene brought extensive flooding to the area. Debby, which struck in August 2024, resulted in 11.5-13 inches of rain, causing severe flooding and damage. “Each year we go into these meetings saying it only takes one storm to devastate our community,” Smith noted.
In light of last year’s experiences, Emergency Management officials are keen on enhancing coordination and collaboration in their response efforts. Fire Chief Clint Hodges reflected on the unprecedented flooding seen in areas that hadn’t faced such challenges in nearly a century, committing to learning from past events to improve future responses.
With NOAA forecasting 13 to 19 tropical storms and three to five hurricanes for this season, Effingham County is taking proactive measures. The county has already repaired problematic roads, maintained ditches and drains, and is ready to deploy sandbags and resources as needed. Mitigation plans are also underway for areas like Staffordshire subdivision, which was particularly affected last year.
The community’s resilience and commitment to safety shine through these preparations, providing hope that Effingham County will be better equipped to handle what lies ahead in the 2024 hurricane season.