Parts of Bulloch County are grappling with significant flooding, after a deluge of rain swept through the area overnight, with some locations recording over 8 inches of rain on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Most of this rainfall hit within just a few hours, creating swift and dangerous conditions across the county.
Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputies and Bulloch County Public Works crews are actively monitoring road conditions and reporting multiple closures. Some of these road closures are expected to be temporary, lasting only a few hours until waters recede. However, certain dirt roads and some paved roads have sustained more substantial damage and will require in-depth evaluations. The Bulloch County Public Works department noted that full assessments on many roads cannot be completed until floodwaters have significantly receded.
At 2:00 pm Thursday, water crossing I-16 Westbound around exit 113 has caused the temporary closure.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston reports that the most intense rainfall has likely passed, although the area could still see another inch or more throughout Thursday and into the night. A flood watch remains in effect for Bulloch County until 7 p.m. Thursday.
Noel Brown, Bulloch County Sheriff told Grice Connect that there were more roads closed than they had road closed signs. He urged citizens to use extreme caution when traveling around the county. If they come to a road covered with water, turn around and do not cross. It is difficult to see the condition of the road under the water.
He reported that they have closed Adabell Road toward Excelsior and Adablee Road toward Kennedy bridge road, because of concern of the water level moving under the bridges.
Bulloch County EMA is working to maintain an updated list of road closures on its Facebook page for residents to follow.
Emergency teams, including the Statesboro Fire Department, Bulloch County Fire Department, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) agents, have evacuated approximatey 10 families from their homes due to rising floodwaters since midnight.
Support organizations such as Bulloch VOAD and Bulloch Strong are providing hotel accommodations and seeking longer-term housing options for affected families.
As a flood watch remains in effect, the NWS warns residents to be vigilant of flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Excessive runoff could continue to impact rivers, creeks, and low-lying regions, with additional rainfall posing further risk. All residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded roadways, and remain prepared for possible flash flood warnings.
For more information on road closures and local emergency updates, follow Bulloch County EMA on Facebook.
