Georgia governor declares emergency in 23 counties after heavy rain
SAVANNAH, Georgia: On November 10, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 23 counties swamped by flooding rainstorms.
The rainstorms caused rivers to overflow, leaving many roads underwater. In some areas, first responders were prompted to rescue residents whose homes were surrounded by water.
Governor Kemp’s order mobilizes state resources to support communities drenched by heavy rains on November 6 and November 7 across southern Georgia.
The downpours impacted several areas that are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene’s high winds in September and Tropical Storm Debby’s flooding in August. No injuries have been reported so far.
In Evans County, more than 10 inches of rain fell over two days, prompting first responders to use boats on Friday to rescue people in low-lying areas along the Canoochee River near Claxton, according to WTOC-TV. The National Weather Service forecasted the river would crest at a record-breaking 18.7 feet on the night of November 10.
In Valdosta, near the Georgia-Florida border, more than 12 inches of rain caused severe flooding, blocking roads and closing schools, as reported by The Valdosta Daily Times.
Savannah received nearly nine inches of rain, which overwhelmed storm drains and stranded vehicles on flooded roads. West of the city, westbound lanes of Interstate 16 near Statesboro had to be closed Thursday due to water covering the roadway.