Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director, Corey Kemp, activated an emergency shelter overnight at Pittman Park United Methodist Church in Statesboro, GA, as over 30 residents were evacuated by boat due to severe flooding.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday led to widespread localized flooding across the county. Overnight, boat evacuations were conducted by the Statesboro and Bulloch Fire Departments, the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, and a Georgia State Swift Water Rescue Team.
The affected neighborhoods included:
- Lakeview Commons
- Lakeview Road at Mallard Pond Road
- Shuman Road
- Allen Circle
- Winding Way
As of the publication of this story, rescue teams are continuing to respond to calls for assistance.
The Bulloch County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) activated an emergency shelter at Pittman Park Church. At the time of this story, the shelter is housing 23 citizens. Pastors Jonathan and Stephanie Smith, along with Wendy Doty, responded at 2 a.m. to set up the shelter. Don Poe with Feed the Boro and Chris Yaughn with Fostering Families also assisted.
"Pittman Park exists for the sake of the community and to work for the good for all as we further our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world," said Jonathan Smith, Senior Pastor of Pittman Park. "This is the second time we have opened a shelter and hopefully not the last. Paul tells us to pray for our community and work for the common good, and this is part of that. We are partnering in the effort with First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro and are grateful for their partnership and support."
While all major roadways remain open at this time, numerous feeder roads, many of them dirt, are closed or impassable due to flooding.
Bulloch County is under a Flood Warning until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday and a Flood Watch until Friday. The forecast calls for up to four more inches of rain on Wednesday.
Weather Forecast:
Wednesday:
Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some storms producing heavy rainfall. High near 81°F. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.
Wednesday Night:
Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with heavy rainfall possible. Low around 77°F. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.
Hazardous Weather Conditions for Bulloch
- Flood Watch until August 9, 08:00 AM EDT
- Hurricane Local Statement
- Rip Current Statement until August 7, 08:00 PM EDT
- Tropical Storm Warning
- Hazardous Weather Outlook
- Flood Warning until August 7, 10:45 AM EDT
If you see water covering the roadway
- Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
- Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.