Hurricane Matthew passed through the Georgia coast this past weekend, killing at least four people, uprooting many trees, flooding low-lying areas, and leaving thousands without electricity. It had been decades ever since the city of Savannah had suffered a direct hit from a hurricane, but gratefully the city was spared severe damage. The barrier islands of Georgia experienced storm surge and high winds, but also there the damage was less than what was initially feared. Access to the islands remains limited as clean up continues.
Those who braved the storm and did not evacuate say the wind during the storm was unbelievable. Authorities estimate that 75% of Chatham County residents evacuated. Evacuees began to return yesterday evening, but a night time curfew is still in effect. Many areas are still without electricity, and work crews continue to clear downed trees. There is Spanish moss everywhere in the downtown area.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist was not damaged during the storm. The founder of Savannah chose the perfect site to settle, downtown Savannah sits on a bluff looking over the Savannah River. Flood waters would have to rise to apocalyptic levels for downtown to flood.
Praying for the thousands affected by the storm, not just in Georgia but also in other southeastern states. The beautiful weather that has come after Matthew is a welcomed change to the blistering hot summer we have experienced this year.
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