A Tornado Watch has been issued for Bryan and surrounding counties until 4 p.m. today. Motorists are advised to stay off the road and begin to hunker down in their homes as Hurricane Debby approaches.

The storm is expected to cause high winds and severe flooding over the next three days. A tropical storm warning is in effect as wind gusts of more than 60 mph are possible.

Schools in Bryan County are closed today and Tuesday as Debby is expected to linger in the area as a tropical storm. All sporting events and afterschool activities were also cancelled.

Local officials said sandbags and sand will be available today on a first-come, first-served basis. In South Bryan County the locations are Henderson Park near the tennis courts only and the Richmond Hill Fire Department, Station 2, at 722 Timber Trail. In North Bryan County the location is Fire Station 5.

On Sunday, Commission Chair Carter Infinger declared Bryan County a State of Emergency in advance of the storm. In the event of hurricane damage, the emergency declaration allows the Bryan County Board of Commissioners to have the necessary tools to respond quickly and ensure a speedy recovery, the county said.. This also allows the County to request state resources such as equipment and money for response and recovery, if necessary. The state has also declared a State of Emergency.

In addition to schools being closed today, Bryan County Government offices plan to close at noon. Public Safety and essential staff will remain on duty throughout the storm, the county said. Richmond Hill city offices are set to close at 3 p.m.

The City of Richmond Hill announced all city parks will be closed until further notice.