News Summary
Savannah is grappling with significant flooding after heavy rains, causing multiple road closures and impacting traffic throughout the area. The Savannah Police Department has reported several critical areas, including Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road, which are closed. Mayor Van Johnson advises residents on safe travel routes while the city opens garages for parking assistance. The community is advised to stay updated on the weather and road conditions as the flood watch continues until Friday morning.
Savannah is experiencing significant flooding that has led to numerous road closures throughout the area amid heavy rains on Saturday morning. The Savannah Police Department has confirmed that Abercorn Street between 64th and 66th Streets is closed due to flooding. Additionally, White Bluff Road is closed at Derenne, affecting southbound traffic towards Hunter Airfield, and other sections of Abercorn are also closing due to the inclement weather.
The Savannah area is currently under a flood watch until Friday morning, as heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to persist through Wednesday. This ongoing weather situation is resulting from an “atmospheric river” moving across the southeastern region, leading to increased rainfall and potential hazards on the roads.
Mayor Van Johnson has identified several streets that residents are advised to avoid during this period of heavy rain. The list includes Fairmont-Hanover-Hodgson, West Victory at Ogeechee, Goebel Avenue at President, East Gwinnett at Skidaway, and many others. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and stay updated on road conditions before traveling.
In response to the flooding situation, the City of Savannah is taking measures to assist residents in flood-prone areas. All City garages will be open for public parking free of charge starting from 5 p.m. on Monday. However, restrictions apply, as boats, trailers, and other attachments will not be permitted in these garages.
Recommendations for Safe Travel
To ensure safety, the city is providing recommended alternate routes for drivers. For example, those traveling from Downtown to Midtown should use MLK Jr. Boulevard, 37th St., Bull and White Bluff, DeRenne Avenue, and Abercorn Extension. Meanwhile, routes to the westside include I-516/Lynes Parkway. For journeys to the Southside, drivers are advised to follow MLK Jr. Boulevard, I-16, I-516/Lynes Parkway, Southwest Bypass/Veterans Parkway, or GA 204/Abercorn Extension. For those heading to the Islands, routes such as Bay St., East Broad, Wheaton, Ash St., Anderson St., Truman Parkway, and Victory Dr. are recommended.
Current Flooding Reports
Reports indicate that significant flooding has impacted roads across both Midtown and Downtown Savannah, including reports of disabled vehicles stranded in floodwaters on streets such as E. Lathrop Ave., Augusta Ave., E Henry St., E. Broad St., Abercorn St., and East Park Ave. The Chatham Emergency Management Agency has acknowledged the severity of the situation, prompting widespread caution among drivers and residents.
Residents are encouraged to consult the city’s “flood-prone areas” map before traveling, especially during thunderstorms. This resource can help individuals make informed decisions to navigate the city safely during adverse weather conditions.
Forecast and Expectations
The weather forecast indicates that the thunderstorms and rainfall are set to continue for several days, raising concerns about further flooding and road obstructions. As conditions worsen, local authorities advise everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for potential travel disruptions.
Overall, Savannah’s leaders are working to address the challenges posed by the severe weather while ensuring public safety remains a top priority. With ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies in place, the community aims to navigate this weather event as effectively as possible.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Abercorn Street Closure
- WTOC: Streets to Avoid During Heavy Rain
- WSAV: Flooded Roads in Savannah
- WTOC: Roads Washed Out Due to Flooding
- Savannah Now: Streets to Avoid Due to Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- Google Search: Savannah flooding
- Google Scholar: Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Savannah flooding
