Potential for up to 20 inches of rain could fall from system
Heavy rainfall and flooding remain the primary concern for local emergency management officials as Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday in the Big Bend region of Florida.
The storm caused a delay in school starting in Brantley County. Scheduled to open Tuesday (August 6), the school system announced Monday it hoped to begin classes for students Thursday, August 8.
Debby is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southeast Georgia. The hurricane center is predicting six to 12 inches of rain for the area, and potentially 12 to 20 inches of rain which could leave rural residents stranded.
“Potentially historic heavy rainfall will likely result in areas of severe and widespread flash and urban flooding,” the hurricane center’s storm discussion said.
The heaviest rainfall is expected from Monday morning through Tuesday night with river flooding potential, the EMA said.
“Residents should prepare for significant rainfall and flooding, secure flood-prone items, and stay informed through official updates,” the EMA said.
The storm’s track is pushing it over southeast Georgia and toward the East Coast, where between 10 to 20 inches of rain are anticipated.
Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency that will be in effect through Thursday (August 8) due to the threat of historic rainfall with the slow-moving storm. Kemp signed an emergency order Monday authorizing the call-up of as many as 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops.
“The big story with this is this thing is going to slam on the brakes,” meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “It’s not going to move, and that is not good with tropical systems.”
Dangerous storm surge conditions are expected along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts through the middle of the week, the NWS warns. Flash flooding is also expected along those coastlines.
Motorists should avoid driving into water that appears shallow. The water can be much deeper than expected, and currents could be swift enough to sweep vehicles from the road.
“This is a life-threatening situation,” the Hurricane Center warned. “Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions.”
(see ‘DEBBY’, Page 5) struck by the back right tire, according to the report of GSP Trooper Jones.
Tanner was the son of Jessica Melissa Highsmith Tanner and Michael Tanner of Nahunta.
A candlelight vigil was held Saturday night inside the Herons Nest at BCHS with friends surrounding the floor.
Visitation was held Sunday afternoon at Hickox Baptist Church. His funeral was slated to be held Monday afternoon from inside the BCHSgym with the burial at New Hope Cemetery in Hickox.
Pallbearers were coach Mike Hendrix, Payton Hanchey, Hayden Hickox, James Hendrix, Kaden Hendrix, Carson Coger, Eli Nielson, Kent Thomas, Jackson Rowell and Casey Hendrix.
Honorary Pallbearers were Brantley County and Piece County Class of 2026 and the Brantley County Senior Resource Officers.
(Continued from Page 1) NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has issued its highest level of flood outlook called a high risk for the next few days. Flooding from rainfall could be made worse by winds blowing onshore along the Southeast coast. That can prevent floodwaters from draining away toward the ocean.
Debby’s biggest threat is flash flooding and river flooding from heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches are a concern in portions of southeast Georgia.
