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. 

EEMA has activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level 2 for extended hours and resource allocation.

At noon Monday, individuals east of I-95 in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh counties must evacuate due to Hurricane Dorian. Effingham County residnets who work in this affected area should check with their  employer on closings. 

Starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, westward contraflow on I-16 will begin to assist with coastal evacuations. Motorists will not be able to use this route to go east of Effingham Coounty. 

 Effingham County who do not feel safe should find an alternate location or await the opening of a local shelter. County and city officials will be meeting  to discuss local needs, closings and evacuation options. 

 Effingham County Schools and the 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 encourages residents to take this time to review their hurricane plans and supplies, evacuation plans and set up well-check procedures for family and friends.