Coastal Georgia residents who left their homes over the weekend to avoid Hurricane Dorian are now cleared to make their way back to asses what damage the storm might have left in its wake.
Gov. Brian Kemp lifted the mandatory evacuation order for Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh counties Thursday morning at 9:30.
Information released by the Governor's office said the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had begun inspection of roads and bridges in affected counties, noting that some roads and bridges may remain impassable. The F.J. Torras (St. Simons Island), Downing Musgrove (Jekyll Island) and Tybee Island Causeways are cleared for travel. The Sidney Lanier Bridge is also clear for travel. GDOT is inspecting the US-17 Savannah River Bridge.
"I want to thank the countless emergency management officials, law enforcement, first responders, local leaders, and Georgians who worked together to prepare and respond to Hurricane Dorian. As Governor, I am incredibly proud of our statewide collaboration and deeply grateful that we experienced no loss of life," Kemp said in a press statement. "Many Georgians still have challenges ahead - power outages, fallen trees, and property damage - in the aftermath of this powerful storm, but I am confident that we will address them and emerge even stronger."
Kemp said Georgia remains ready to offer assistance to others who suffered far worse damage as the result of Dorian.
"Now, we must stand together and offer our assistance to the Bahamas and our neighbors, South Carolina and North Carolina," Kemp said.
