AUGUSTA, Ga. – A powerful storm system that claimed dozens of lives across the United States largely spared the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) early Sunday morning. However, parts of Georgia were not so fortunate, with widespread destruction reported in several areas.

The storm, which swept through the state, left a trail of devastation, particularly to the west and south of Augusta. Heavy winds, torrential rain, and dangerous tornado activity caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed, but officials confirmed that several counties are facing severe damage.

In response to the disaster, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, effective until midnight Tuesday. The declaration allows for the mobilization of extra resources, such as emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment, to aid in recovery and response efforts across the state.

“While the CSRA experienced minimal damage, other areas of Georgia were hit much harder,” Gov. Kemp stated in a press briefing. “This state of emergency will allow us to ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most as we assist communities in their recovery.”

The storm, which began its destructive path in the early hours of Sunday, brought high winds, hail, and sporadic tornadoes that affected rural and urban areas alike. In some regions, entire neighborhoods were left without power, and emergency crews worked overnight to clear debris from roads and highways.

Despite the relatively mild impact on the CSRA, local authorities are remaining vigilant and have urged residents to stay prepared in case of further inclement weather.

“We were fortunate here in the CSRA, but we know that many others are facing severe challenges,” said Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis. “Our thoughts are with those communities, and we will continue to support the state’s efforts to aid in their recovery.”

As Georgia continues to assess the damage, residents are urged to follow local authorities’ guidance and report any storm-related emergencies. While the immediate threat has passed, officials are concerned about potential flooding in the coming days, which could add to the ongoing recovery efforts.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until Tuesday, and Governor Kemp emphasized that additional measures could be taken as needed, depending on the storm’s aftermath in the coming days.

Emergency management teams are actively coordinating with local governments, with a focus on delivering relief to the hardest-hit regions and restoring normalcy to affected communities.

As the storm system moves out of the region, Georgia faces the challenge of rebuilding and assisting those impacted by the devastation. State officials continue to monitor the situation, with hopes of providing swift assistance to all who are in need.