Residents along the Gulf Coast are bracing for the first Atlantic hurricane to target the United States this year. Hurricane Ida is slowly moving toward the region with 105 mph winds, bringing the threat of flooding and storm surges. There could also be as much as 8 inches of rainfall in the CSRA in the next couple of days.

The sound of rain is not such a good thing for some folks in Columbia County. Flooding in one neighborhood has left one family homeless, others scrambling to save their belongings. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe has their story.

According to Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker, a bear report was received Thursday morning from a Columbia county resident saying two bear cubs were seen on the playground at Blue Ridge Commons, around 2:00 a.m.

Storms are rolling through the CSRA, at this time. Please use caution, if you have to be out on the roads. Stay tuned to WJBF News Channel 6 for the latest weather updates and advisories from George Myers, who’s tracking the storms. We will add storm reports as they come in.

A black bear is making tracks in Columbia County. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud for the latest updates on the location of the bear. Visit Name The Bearto vote on the bear’s name. The winning name will be announced during our Friday, June 19th, 6:00 p.m. newscast.

According to Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker, Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue is on the scene of a natural gas leak, at this time. This is a gas main and is located on Old Evans Road near the new apartments next to Lowes. Atlanta Gas Light Company has controlled the gas leak, but it is not completely stopped at this time. Old Evans Road is now open.

A black bear has been spotted by several neighbors in Columbia County. WJBF News Channel 6’s Paige Tucker caught up with the family whose backyard was the bear’s playground for a while, Monday morning.

Residents in Columbia County Georgia have spotted another bear. It’s the second such sighting in as many weeks. Reports are coming in from Stevens Creek Road to Evans To Locks Road. Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker says crews from DNR have been notified. If you see the bear, don’t try to contact it and stay indoors. If you have any pictures or video you’d like to share, email it to us at . A viewer, Andrew Bryan, has sent in several pictures from his yard, off Stevens Creek Road.

According to information provided to WJBF News Channel 6 from Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker, the county’s Cooling Centers offer residents who do not have air conditioning a place to go this summer during the hottest part of the day. The centers are opened each year from June 1st until September 30th and can be used by Columbia County residents during that time to “Beat the Heat!” 

The sixth animal has tested positive for rabies in Columbia County, this year. Accoording to Columbia County EMA Director Pam tucker, rabies vaccinations are critical for pets.

A third raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Columbia County. EMA Director Pam Tucker says it is critical that pet owners get the rabies vaccinations for their pets and keep them current. With more wild animals in populated areas, any home with pets is at risk since they come around your house looking for food. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the information you need to keep your pet safe

A third raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Columbia County. EMA Director Pam Tucker says it is critical that pet owners get the rabies vaccinations for their pets and keep them current. With more wild animals in populated areas, any home with pets is at risk since they come around your house looking for food. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the information you need to keep your pet safe

According to Columbia County EMA Director, Pam Tucker, a third raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the county.

According to Columbia County (GA) EMA Director, Pam Tucker, the National Weather Service has changed storm damage assessment in Harlem and Grovetown. They will start in Aiken County where fatalities have been reported. After Columbia County, they will move on to Richmond and Burke Counties.

According to Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker, a tornado may have touched down Friday evening on Brown Road, near Harlem High School. Tucker says they are investigating to confirm the status of the damage. There are also several damage reports throughout the CSRA. Stay tuned to WJBF News Channel 6 and check back here on WJBF.com for the latest weather information.