Severe Flood Threat Looms Over Middle Georgia

A Flood Watch has been issued for much of Middle Georgia as a tropical moisture surge is expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from Thursday through Friday night. Flooding of creeks, streams, low-lying areas, and poor-drainage locations will be possible.

The affected counties include Butts, Jasper, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, Jones, Monroe, Taylor, Crawford, Bibb, Peach, Houston, Macon, Schley, Sumter, Dooly, Crisp, Wilkinson, Washington, Twiggs, Pulaski, and Bleckley.

Major cities in the warning area include Jackson, Monticello, Eatonton, Sparta, Milledgeville, Gray, Forsyth, Butler, Roberta, Macon, Fort Valley, Warner Robins, Montezuma, Ellaville, Americus, Vienna, Cordele, Toomsboro, Sandersville, Jeffersonville, Cochran, and Hawkinsville.

Heavy rainfall rates are expected Thursday through Friday, with widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches, and localized amounts exceeding 5 inches.

Residents can expect flash flooding of urban and low-lying areas, flooding along creeks and streams, water-covered roadways during periods of heavy rain, and rapid rises on small waterways.

The threat period is broken down into the following time frames:

Thursday Morning: Rain overspreads the area, becoming increasingly widespread.

Thursday Afternoon and Night: Periods of heavy rain develop, increasing flooding concerns.

Late Friday Night: The Flood Watch is currently scheduled to expire.

The greatest flooding concerns in Middle Georgia will likely be in and around Macon, Warner Robins, Fort Valley, Forsyth, Gray, Milledgeville, Cordele, Americus, Cochran, and Hawkinsville, particularly in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.

Residents in flood-prone locations should monitor forecast updates over the next 24 to 48 hours and be prepared for possible Flood Warnings or Flash Flood Warnings beginning Thursday.