Moderate to major flooding in Valdosta continues...

On account of my wonderful gtb becoming my groom this weekend, I am out of the area, so I don't have current pictures of the flooding in the Valdosta area, but I have gotten a bunch of reports. Many of the roads are already closed, due to moderate to major flooding and concerns about the integrity of the bridges over rushing water. Gornto Road, Troupville Road, Skipper Bridge Road, Highway 84, Highway 133, Shiloh Road, Park Lane, Meadowbrook Lane, Franklin Bridge Road and many, many more are closed. I know a part of I75 was actually covered in water on the way up. Unfortunately, I just got the CodeRED message while on the side of a mountain that water rise is expected to continue and gain another foot or two in water raise... and with upcoming storms this afternoon and evening, they are expecting another inch or two of rain fall... Many, many homes are flooded. People are being told to evacuate to the emergency shelter at Mathis Auditorium before water levels rise to dangerous levels at your home. Do not drive on flooded roads!!!! If you stay in your home past flooding, you endanger rescue crews. People are being advised not to travel if possible. I have never seen it this bad or heard of it ever being this bad. A State of Emergency has been declared by the governor. If you have any information to share, please share it in comments or feel free to email the to me to post at dewdrop_in_sga@yahoo.com.

Link to Flood Warning
Road Closure Article
Overcome by Water article

I'll be posting wedding and waterfall shots soon. Meanwhile, the Dewvoid holds strong presenting tornadoes back home while I am away... and the "severe event" once expected here has fizzled to a baby squall line.

TORNADO REPORTS
4 E ALAPAHA BERRIEN GA
POSSIBLE BRIEF TORNADO TOUCHDOWN JUST WEST OF WILLACOOCHEE. (TAE)

WILLACOOCHEE ATKINSON GA
A STORM SPOTTER REPORTED A POSSIBLE TORNADO ON THE GROUND NEAR HIGHWAY 90 JUST SOUTH OF WILLACOOCHEE. NO FURTHER CONFIRMATION OR DAMAGE HAS BEEN REPORTED. (JAX)

1 N BLACKSHEAR PIERCE GA
A STORM SPOTTER REPORT OF A POSSIBLE TORNADO IN BLACKSHEAR...60 TO 70 MPH WINDS AND DIME SIZE HAIL. (JAX)

When Dewdrop's away...


Link to slideshow of flooded areas on VDTimes site (includes descriptions of locations and days)

Link to aerial views of Valdosta area during flood posted in VD Times article.

Latest on flooding/recovery info from Lowndes County Emergency Management:

From today at the Lowndes County SITREP meeting:

1. Valdosta has created a flood information hotline 671-2400. Personnel
can call to report damage, inquire about school and road closures.

2. Florida State Patrol is expected to close parts of I-10 near the Suwannee
River as the crest moves south. Personnel traveling west of I-75 on I-10
should call the flood information center before committing to any travel.

3. Roll off dumpsters have been placed in flooded areas for home owner use.
If there are no dumpster, personnel should move trash to the right of way
for disposal.

4. Gornto Road remains closed, but Cat Creek and Skipper Bridge are expected
to reopen today.

5. Media Comm is flooded out and many customers are without cable, internet
and phone service. Service should be out through the Phase I exercise.

6. Valdosta Emergency Managers have asked that personnel do not
"self-deploy" to aid in the cleanup efforts. All volunteers should call the
information hotline to sign up for coordinated recovery teams.

7. As flood waters recede more bridges and roads will reopen as they are
inspected. Please continue to observe the posted closing and DO NOT drive
around any barricades.

8. Free water testing is available from the city of Valdosta for personnel
with wells. Call the information center for further instructions. The city
water is safe as the aquifer is over 200' deep and the water is continually
being monitored

~Dewdrop