Storms continue to batter South Georgia

Alan Mauldin

April 02, 2009 08:55 pm

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MOULTRIE — As steady rainfall continued throughout the morning and afternoon Thursday, emergency workers braced for possible wind, hail and heavy rains.
As of mid-afternoon Thursday no additional roads had been closed, the Colquitt County Roads and Bridges Department said.
But officials throughout the county warned motorists to stay off the roads if possible due to the hazards posed by more precipitation and predicted high winds.
The Colquitt County School System closed schools for a third day today, and Moultrie Technical College also is closed for the day.
In Moultrie, only Jacquelyn Circle at Camellia Drive had been closed as of the morning, but the closing of Talmadge Drive was anticipated, said Danny Ward, public works director.
“We’re really concerned about the Okapilco basin, also any areas next to our major out-fall ditches,” he said.
Ward advised residents to closely monitor weather conditions and for those in low areas to be prepared to get out if water starts rising. Colonial Heights is another area that is a cause for concern.
On Thursday workers in the city were clearing drain systems but ultimately it boils down to how much water falls on top of the days-long deluge the area has received, Ward said.
“We’re doing all we can,” he said. “South Georgia is basically flat. When you get this much water it’s going to take time to go down.”
In Berlin there was some water over some streets but most of the town is at a high enough elevation that no homes appeared to be in danger, Police Chief Timothy Weathers said. Extra personnel will be on hand to keep an eye on conditions.
“We have been having two officers on at night trying to keep up with the weather conditions,” he said. “We’re just watching it and keeping an eye on anything.”
Norman Park reported that there were no known evacuations of homes, but is advising residents of the voluntary evacuation issued by the county’s Emergency Management Agency and assisting those who want to evacuate.
On Thursday officials were most concerned about the potential of trees falling due to the extra weight of wet limbs and the saturated soil.
“Trees that could have taken 60 miles per hour could blow over at (winds of) 30 miles per hour,” said John Walters, public service technician in Doerun.
The National Weather Service prediction for Thursday night was for possible tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, and up to another five inches of rain.
A news release from emergency management said that areas that flooded Saturday are expected to flood again.
“Please do not travel unless necessary, and obey all detour and road closure signs for your safety as well as others,” the agency said.
It also advised residents to monitor weather conditions and seek shelter if needed. Shelters will be opened if needed.
Colquitt Regional Medical Center also formulated plans Thursday to handle situations where visitors are stranded at the facility or there is loss of water and electricity.
It also worked to ensure that the hospital remained staffed with nurses and other medical personnel.
“Our ambulances were already experiencing problems accessing many roads in the county in support of our citizens,” said Bob Howe, facilities operations director. “So one of our primary concerns was that with road closures staff may not be able to get to and from the hospital in support of patient care during the evening hours. Sleeping arrangements and providing meals and water for staff, and if need be visitors, were put into place.”
The hospital is equipped with a deep well and emergency generators if they are needed, Howe said.
“We can operate as an island for at least a week with our current fuel capacity,” he said.

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