Bulloch County officials met again on Wednesday afternoon, January 22, 2025 to provide citizens with an update on Winter Storm Enzo and the effects. Bulloch County Commission Chairman David Bennett began the meeting with an update on the county’s status. “Bulloch County remains in a state of emergency, set to expire Friday at 5:00 p.m.,” he announced. While main roads in urban areas are beginning to clear, rural roads and bridges are still covered with snow and ice.
“Road conditions are still hazardous,” Bennett emphasized. “As temperatures drop tonight, thawed snow will refreeze, making travel treacherous. We strongly urge residents to stay home.”
Bennett confirmed that county offices, courts, and schools will remain closed on Thursday. Officials plan to reassess road conditions Thursday morning to determine if closures need to be extended. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in staying off the roads. It’s making a big difference,” he said.
Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar described the rare snowfall as “a beautiful sight,” but he cautioned residents about the dangers posed by the icy conditions. “As the snow melts during the day, it’s likely to refreeze tonight, creating dangerous patches on roads and sidewalks,” he warned.
Sidewalks, especially in shaded and heavily trafficked areas, are a particular concern. While major city roads are in relatively good shape, a few minor streets have been closed to ensure public safety.
Mayor McCollar also provided an update on city services. Trash pickup, delayed by the storm, is expected to resume Thursday for Tuesday’s route. Wednesday and Thursday’s routes will be completed on Friday, weather permitting. He thanked public works, fire, and emergency teams for their tireless efforts to keep roads clear and the city operational.
For up-to-date information, residents can visit the city’s storm response website at www.statesboroga.gov/storm. “Stay warm, check on vulnerable neighbors, and remain patient as we work through these challenges together,” McCollar said.
Corey Kemp, Bulloch County’s Emergency Management Director, reiterated the importance of staying home. He explained that with ground temperatures hovering around 36°F and expected lows of 14°F, any melting snow will refreeze overnight. “This will make travel incredibly dangerous tonight and into Thursday morning,” he said.
Kemp thanked Bulloch County VOAD partners Pittman Park UMC and First Presbyterian Church for opening shelters to assist those in need during the storm. He also reminded residents to contact their power providers directly if outages occur, rather than calling 911. “Shelter in place and remain vigilant,” Kemp advised.
Sheriff Noel Brown took a strong stance on safety and responsibility during the storm, urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. “Remain on your property and avoid travel. The icy conditions are dangerous, and we don’t need additional incidents,” he stated. Brown shared his frustration over reports of reckless behavior, particularly individuals using off-road vehicles on icy roads and damaging public infrastructure.
“Let me be clear,” Brown said. “If you’re caught damaging roads, you will be fined. Repeat offenders could face arrest, and your vehicle may be impounded. This behavior not only puts you at risk but also creates additional problems for our public works teams.”
The sheriff highlighted that county and city teams are already stretched thin, working tirelessly to manage storm-related issues. He called on the community to act as part of the solution rather than adding to the workload of emergency services. “We’re all in this together, and we need to prioritize safety and cooperation,” Brown said.
In addition to addressing misconduct, Brown took time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of city and county crews. “These teams have been out here, often under tough conditions, working to keep the roads clear and ensure public safety. They deserve our respect and support,” he emphasized.
Brown closed his remarks with a call for unity and vigilance. “This storm has been challenging, but we’ve faced challenges before. Let’s support one another, stay safe, and come out stronger on the other side,” he concluded.
In his closing remarks, Chairman David Bennett reflected on the collective effort required to manage the storm. “I am the new guy in the room. Folks are praising me on social media, but this isn’t about me. I inherited an amazing team,” he said. “Each of these team members deserve the credit. The people in this room and their staff are the ones making it happen.”
He highlighted how county employees and emergency teams worked throughout the weekend and MLK Jr. holiday to prepare for the storm. “They’ve faced so many challenges this year, floods, hurricanes, and now snow, and they handle it with resilience every time,” he said.
Bennett encouraged residents to use this time to reconnect with family and support their neighbors. “Take a moment to slow down. Check on your neighbors, see if they need anything, and take care of each other,” he said. Despite the township’s growth, Bennett emphasized that the community’s spirit of care and connection remains strong.
He reassured residents that updates will continue to be shared through social media and local media outlets. “Stay off the roads if possible, stay safe, and we’ll keep you informed as conditions evolve,” he concluded.
Key Takeaways:
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State of Emergency: Bulloch County remains under a state of emergency until Friday at 5:00 p.m.
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Hazardous Conditions: Roads and sidewalks remain dangerous due to snow and ice, with refreezing expected overnight.
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Closures: County offices, courts, and schools will remain closed Thursday. Trash pickup schedules have been adjusted.
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Community Shelters: Bulloch VOAD has a warming center open at Pittman Park UMC for those who have no other place to go.
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Public Safety: Residents are strongly advised to stay home and avoid reckless behavior on public roads.
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Updates: Residents are encouraged to monitor official communication and their local news outlets for the latest information.