With temperatures expected to reach a heat index between 108 and 112 degrees on Friday, the City of Savannah is coordinating with partner agencies to provide residents with access to cooling facilities. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., warning that conditions could be dangerous.
Officials are advising residents to drink fluids regularly, stay in air-conditioned environments, avoid direct sunlight, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives. Special caution is urged for those working or spending extended periods outdoors: “Drink cool water every 20 minutes even if you aren’t thirsty. For long jobs outside, drink a beverage with electrolytes and take regular breaks to rest in air conditioning or in shade. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible.”
Additionally, severe storms are forecast for the area from Friday afternoon through Monday. These storms may bring heavy rain, damaging winds up to 60 mph, and flash flooding. In response, city crews are clearing storm drains and maintaining stormwater systems ahead of the anticipated weather. Residents are encouraged to report any issues with city-maintained stormwater infrastructure using the city’s 311 call center or mobile app.
Savannah officials recommend securing refuse and recycling carts before potential flooding events and advise limiting travel during heavy rainfall due to the possibility of road closures.
To assist residents during the heat advisory, several community centers will serve as cooling locations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Moses Jackson Center (1410 Richards St.), Windsor Forest Regional Center (414 Briarcliff Circle), W.W. Law Regional Center (900 E. Bolton St.), Tompkins Regional Center (2333 Ogeechee Road), and John S. Delaware Regional Center (1815 Lincoln St.). All city pools will be closed on Friday.
City splashpads at multiple locations—including Hudson Hill (2227 Hudson St.), Hull Park (55th and Atlantic Ave.), Crusader Community Center (81 Coffee Bluff Villa Rd.), Forrest Hills (Skidaway and Berkshire Rd.), Avondale Park (Texas and Ohio Ave.), Victory Heights Park (E 42nd St and Taskin Ave.), Savannah Gardens (516 Pennsylvania Ave.), Forsyth Park (10 Whitaker St.), Tatemville Community Center (333 Coleman St.), and Montgomery Cross Road (401 W. Montgomery Crossroads)—will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Support for individuals experiencing homelessness is available at Union Mission (120 Fahm St., open 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.), Come As You Are (1901 Pennsylvania Ave., open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.), The Salvation Army (3100 Montgomery St., open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) as well as through outreach by CSAH staff from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; assistance can be requested by calling 912-784-1794.
The city is also enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance affecting horse-drawn carriage operations: “When the heat index exceeds 110 degrees (or when the actual temperature reaches 95 degrees), horse-drawn carriages shall not be allowed to operate on City streets. Horses can either be kept at their stands to keep cool or return to their stables if they can safely do so.” The Office of Special Events, Film, and Tourism oversees enforcement; all local tour companies have been reminded about these rules.
Residents are urged to prepare for both extreme heat and potential severe weather over the weekend.
