WAYCROSS – The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is closing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma.

The refuge stretches cross Charlton, Ware and Clinch counties — all three of which are under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Nathan Deal.

The refuge will close Saturday, according to a statement from the refuge. The Pocket Unit and the Cowhouse Unit will also be closed to all hunting activities. Once the hurricane has passed through the area and personnel are able to return to the refuge, a phased reopening approach will occur until all areas can be inspected, according to the statement.

Refuge personnel are anticipating returning to the refuge once the immediate threat of the storm has passed and staff have returned to their homes, according to a press release.

Banks Lake Outdoors, the store at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Lakeland, will close Sunday, according to the statement.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.