The Effingham Emergency Management Agency has been monitoring the changes to Hurricane Dorian, which is now a powerful Category 5 hurricane, and updating partner agencies of the current forecast models.

 On Monday, EEMA will activate its Emergency Operations Center to Level 2 for extended hours and resource allocation. 

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center advised:

 • Dorian is a Category 5 hurricane impacting the Bahamas over the next 24-48 hours.

 • The storm has sustained winds of 185 mph and is moving west at 8 mph. 

• Effingham County has already begun to receive on-shore wind flow and small showers, which will increase through the week as Dorian moves closer Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

  Effingham County Schools are closed Monday for Labor Day; no other closings are planned at this time. 

 Government offices for Effingham County and the cities of Guyton, Rincon  and Springfield are closed Monday for Labor Day; no other closings are planned at this time.

  No shelters are open at this time but EEMA is working with local organizations to identify shelter locations to possibly open this week. As shelters become available, EEMA will share that information with the public. 

EEMA urges residents to take this time to review their hurricane plans and supplies, evacuation plans, and set up well-check procedures for family and friends. 

This information and updates are available on our information line at 912-754-8206, the EEMA website and the EEMA Facebook page.