Full Notification

Hurricane Helene is slated to make landfall later today and weather conditions will begin to deteriorate early this evening. Heavy wind gusts,  increased rainfall, and the significant risk of tornadoes will continue through early Friday morning,
 
Beginning at sunset, it is recommended that anyone on the island SHELTER IN PLACE. The island may experience localized flooding along roadways, downed tree limbs, and power outages. Crews will not be able to assess or clear debris until after the storm has passed. It will be unsafe to travel the roadways after this time.
 
Georgia Power has crews staged to restore power as outages take place, however residents and businesses should plan for the possibility of being without power for longer periods, through at least tomorrow. Please reference Georgia Power's outage map for real-time updates - outagemap.georgiapower.com
 
Georgia State Patrol has assured us they have adequate staff and will be doing business and roadway checks throughout the night and early morning.
 
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has expressed the potential for closure of the Sidney Lanier Bridge later this evening, as sustained winds increase. Once closed, the closure will remain in effect for all vehicular traffic until further notice to ensure the bridge has undergone an extensive inspection. Those who MUST travel to/from Jekyll Island should plan to use alternate routes.
 
There are no Jekyll Island evacuations or road/causeway closures planned at this time. Conditions are continuing to be monitored and additional updates will be communicated as needed.
 
NEW CLOSURES
 
 Glynn County Schools will now be closed through Friday, September 27, and are scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 30.
  
The Jekyll Island Authority will also be closing all administrative offices, amenities, and facilities at 3:30 PM on Thursday, September 26, as follows:

• Jekyll Island Guest Information Center (24-HR gate service will remain)
• Jekyll Island Tennis Center
• Jekyll Island Golf Club
• Jekyll Island Mini Golf & Bikes
• Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, Faith Chapel, and all Historic Cottages 
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center
• JIA-Operated Retail Shops: 31•81, Life Is Good and Remember When
• Public Restroom Facilities
• Beach Crossovers

The Jekyll Island Campground will remain open with limited assistance. 
 
Normal operations are expected to resume for all JIA offices, amenities, and facilities on Friday, September 27, unless otherwise communicated.

Waste Management trash and recycling services will be delayed until Friday, September 27, but are slated to resume as soon as conditions permit drivers to begin pickups.

Please also review the Jekyll Island Emergency Preparedness Communication webpage on the Jekyll Island website for helpful links and information on storm preparedness: www.jekyllisland.com/emergency

 

Instructions:

Please continue to pay close attention to weather updates as they are made available, and follow the latest forecast models from the National Weather Service Jacksonville to stay informed between updates.