Liberty County officials have not called for any mandatory or voluntary evacuations, but they are warning that the storm surge from Hurricane Idalia could lead to flooding in parts of eastern Liberty County.

In a briefing Tuesday evening, Liberty County EMA Director Robert Dodd said about 1-2 inches of rain is expected from the storm, which is projected to cross over Liberty County sometime Wednesday evening. The storm surge from the storm could be 2-4 feet.

County Administrator Joey Brown said the timing of the storm is a factor, since it is expected to hit close to high tide. High tides at Sunbury are forecast to be 9.2 feet.

“You could see some flooding, especially in low-lying areas,” Brown said.

Hurricane Idalia is expected to hit Florida’s Gulf coast as a Category 3, with sustained winds of 111-129 mph. As of 7 p.m., its sustained winds were 100 mph.

Liberty County schools, Long County schools, Liberty County government offices and City of Hinesville offices will be closed Wednesday.

Liberty County Sheriff Will Bowman advised residents to check on elderly neighbors and added flooding could be a problem on county roads.

“Try to stay off the roads as much as possible,” he said.

The City of Hinesville’s offices will be closed Wednesday but garbage pickup will proceed as scheduled. City Manager Kenneth Howard said the trucks will be on the road earlier than usual, perhaps as early as 5 a.m., and hope to have the routes completed by 10 a.m.

“Please take this storm seriously,” Howard said.

Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette also reminded residents that hurricane season is far from over.

“We are in the peak of the season,” he said.

Hurricane season runs through November 30.

Lovette also encouraged those residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground if they can.

The county’s next Facebook Live update is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m.