Rain gauges at the MidCoast Regional Airport have recorded nearly 7 inches of rain since Tropical Storm Debby’s approach to coastal Georgia.
Highway 144 on Fort Stewart from Old Sunbury Road to the boundary gate just west of Richmond Hill is closed due to standing water on the road at multiple locations. One lane of Highway 196 near the Fleming Shortcut is closed because over water over the road. A sheriff's deputy is on scene.
The Liberty County Emergency Management Agency is tracking reports on five homes damaged by the storm.
Many dirt roads across the county are under water in spots, according to the EMA. Rainfall amounts ranged from 5.33 inches in Midway and 6.71 inches in Hinesville to more than 12 inches in Gum Branch, with higher amounts in area others, according to Robert Dodd, director of the Liberty EMA.
For residents near Mount Olivet Church Road in Fleming, staying informed about road conditions is essential, especially with the potential for worsening road conditions overnight. The Liberty County Emergency Management Agency has shared insights on the situation, indicating that flooding is due to rising waters on the Canoochee and Ogeechee rivers. EMA officials said it is crucial to exercise caution and consider alternative routes if necessary and to stay updated on local advisories and prioritize safety in these conditions.
Those affected are encouraged to document any damage via email to libertycountyema@libertycountyga.com or call 912-368-2201. Include your complete address, a brief description of the damage, and any relevant photographs.
Around 11:30 p.m. Monday, a tree fell on a mobile home in Walthourville, and firefighters from the Walthourville Fire Department had to kick in a rear door to help the family escape. According to Walthourville Fire Chief Nick Maxwell, the firefighters were assisting the family as heavy limbs continued to fall around them. No injuries were reported.
An uprooted tree lifted the home from its foundation and pinned it against another tree on the other side of the house.
The family of four is staying in a hotel.
The City of Hinesville reported a major spill of 11.12 million gallons of partially treated wastewater occurred at the Fort Stewart Water Pollution Control Plant on Monday. On Tuesday, there was another spill of 15.66 million gallons of partially treated wastewater.
The facility discharges to an unnamed tributary leading to Taylors Creek, and on this day, the total suspended solids of 66 mg/l leaving the facility exceeded the spill threshold of 25 mg/l set by EPD. The spills were due to stormwater entering the collection system during an excessive rainfall event.
Georgia EPD, Fort Stewart Environmental, and the Liberty County Health Department were notified of the spill.
Long County Commission Chairman Robert Parker issued a voluntary evacuation order Tuesday for all Crawford subdivision residents, including those on Carson Street. Residents who remain behind may find themselves unable to leave the area until the floodwaters recede. Long County first responders also may not be able to respond if an emergency situation should arise.
The Long County High School opened as a shelter for Long County residents.
Bob Sprinkel of the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Team drove around Liberty County to see where help might be needed. He looked at a house on Leroy Coffer Highway to see if the team needed to do a “mud out,” where the team takes out the flooring after the water has come up to a certain level.
“Everything we do with Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief is free to the homeowner,” Sprinkel said. “We go on private property, with permission of the homeowner, and take care of this. If trees fall on a house, we come in with a chain saw crew.”
The house on Leroy Coffer flooded after heavy rains throughout Monday night. According to Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette, a clogged drain may have been the cause. A drain in the front yard was supposed to cross under the road into a drainage ditch across from the home. Crews cleared the drain, causing a torrent of water to fill the ditch and leading to water in the front yard to recede.
The Liberty County Emergency Management Agency was tracking the conditions of more than two dozen roads, mainly in the east end and in the west end that were deemed impassable as of Wednesday morning.
The Coastal Health District is urging private well owners to take precautions and disinfect any well that flooded during recent severe weather. When a well is flooded, the water can become contaminated with bacteria that could cause waterborne illness.
Disinfection of a flooded private well cannot begin until the water covering the affected well has receded.
Information is also available at coastalhealthdistrict.org/decontaminating-private-wells-after-flooding
Steps to disinfect flooded private wells
Step 1: Thoroughly clean all accessible surfaces removing any loose debris. Then wash the area with a strong chlorine solution (1 quart of household bleach per 5 gallon of water).
Step 2: Remove the well cap and add 1 gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach.
Step 3: Run water from an outside faucet through a hose until a strong chlorine smell can be detected. Place the end of the hose in the well allowing the water to run down the sides of the casing and circulate for at least 15 minutes. Replace the well cap.
Step 4: Turn off the hose and enter the home opening each tap, one at a time, until chlorine can be detected. Please include hot water faucets, toilets, bathtubs, washing machine, etc.
Step 5: Once the chlorine odor reaches all outlets, let the water system stand for at least 8 hours and preferably overnight. Refrain from any water use during this time.
Step 6: Flush the system of chlorine by turning on an outside faucet letting it run until the chlorine smell dissipates. Finally, run the indoor faucets until the water is clear and the chlorine smell is gone. Do not run any unnecessary water into the septic system or allow the chlorinated water to drain into a stream or pond. The well cannot be flushed too much!
Step 7: The water should be tested to determine if it’s safe to drink. It is recommended that over the next several weeks two additional samples are taken, and the results are satisfactory. Well water can be tested at your local county health department or county extension office. Repeated chlorination and/or a well professional should be called if problems remain.
Lewis Levine contributed to this report.
