UPDATED: 5:01 p.m.., Wednesday, August 7, 2024
If you live in Liberty County, including Allenhurst, Colonels Island, Fleming, Flemington, Gumbranch, Hinesville, Midway, Riceboro, Sunbury, and Walthourville, please bookmark and check this page often for updates on local conditions and emergency directives.
Información en español desde el National Hurricane Center
Liberty County Schools to reopen Monday, Aug. 12
The Liberty County School System announced Wednesday that it is pushing back the first day of school to Monday, August 12. Schools had been set to open on Thursday, but continuing bad weather has forced the district to reconsider.
Flood warning in effect until 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Liberty County, along with Bryan, Chatham, and Evans Counties, remains under a Flood Warning from the National Weather Service until 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. Hinesville and Fort Stewart are most affected, as are the the I-16/I-95 Interchange and nearby communities like Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Tybee Island, Claxton, Pembroke, Windsor Forest and Coffee Bluff.
Numerous roads impacted in Liberty County
Another round of storms is headed towards Liberty County as Tropical Storm Debby dawdles off the coast.
At 11 AM: The center of Tropical Storm Debby was located about 55 miles SE of Charleston, moving NE at 5 MPH. Here is the latest on TS Debby: https://t.co/aKvOD4c7YP pic.twitter.com/Zc0AdylveO
— NWS Charleston, SC (@NWSCharlestonSC) August 7, 2024
Gov. Brian Kemp is urging people to stay off the roads: “If we can keep the roadways clear, allow (first responders) to deal with as less headaches as we can, that would be greatly appreciated,” Kemp told reporters at his Wednesday briefing.
Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Stallings added that, while looky-loo drivers find sightseeing during and after a storm “interesting,” it creates a nuisance for emergency workers doing their jobs: “The more we can keep the roads clear so that our emergency responders can get in there, the better off we are.”
Liberty County Emergency Management Agency issued the following list of roads impacted by Tropical Storm Debby. Please note this list can change at any time:
- Cay Creek, Midway side = impassible
- Cay Creek partly covers w/water impassible
- Cay Creek & Oak Creek Rd impassible, but clear after that
- Retreat Rd couple miles down water over rd off 17
- Mt. Olive Church Rd at the end impassible (dirt rd)
- Freddy Walthour Sr. Road at the pavement under water and the dirt rd
- Dorchester Village Rd. @ Brigdon Road impassoble
- 119 most of the ditches are full almost to rd
- 196 Rye Patch significant water pouches (hazard)
- 4073 county line rd block — water all over impassible — water still over road and rising
- Dirt rd Billy Harris pt Deloach rd impassible – update is passible
- Isle of Wight standing water impassible
- Causeway 1 two and half feet below rd way flooded, Causeway 2 water below rd
- Rae rd impassible — completely impassible
- Old Sea Brooke School Road impassible trees across rd
- Mary Todd — Rae rd completely under water
- 600 block Dairy rd down to 1 lane
- Jericho drive 1st drive impassible
- Significant water Hodges rd; Razor back dirt challenging
- Connector Way impassible * get EMA to put cones out
- Hodges-Jeannies rd — John Well water over rd impassible
- Starting 400 block Philips rd impassible
- Safeland Drive impassible
- Luke Rd impassible
- Old Sunbury trace Houses 86, 72 flooded up to door
- Long rd -Long Ln -Worth Groover 1 lane
- Windy Oak subdivision yards have standing water
- Worth Groover rd water coming across rd passible- water over road
- Old Pines rd tree across rd
- Hannah June Islands highway water across rd
- Drainage under 196 by Dollar General is full
- Moody rd. – impassible for emergency vehicles water over road
- Delk Rd – impassible
- Kayland rd – impassible for emergency vehicles
- 93 Loyal Lane Hinesville flooded road
Expect more light rain adding to the 7 to 12 inches that already has fallen and saturated the ground.
The NWS warns, “Emergency officials report numerous roads remain closed due to high water or are washed out. Homes are flooded in some areas. Flooding will continue along various creeks and streams which could worsen today.”
According to NWS, “Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Several structures are flooded and some sand bagging operations are continuing. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water.”
A check of area problem spots around Hinesville this morning showed floodwaters have receded slightly. A City of Hinesville crew removed caution barrels and barricades ton Tupelo Trail that had blocked off the bridge to James A. Brown Park. On Tuesday, floodwaters had reached the top of the culvert and debris has collected at the bridge on Patriot Trail.
Non-emergency number disconnected
The Liberty County Emergency Management Authority has disconnected the dedicated non-emergency phone line. People who need to document any damage should send an e-mail to libertycountyema@libertycountyga.com or call 912-368-2201. The EMA asks that you include your complete address, a brief description of the damage, and any relevant photos.
Food, floodwater, pest, and electrical safety
The Georgia Department of Health’s Coastal Health Division urges people to avoid flooded roads. Do not drive through floodwater because it might be deeper than you think. Floodwater carries germs, so wash your hands well with soap and clean water, or use hand sanitizer or alcohol-based wipes if soap and water are unavailable.
Most of all, do not let children or teenagers play in any free-flowing, runoff, or flood water. Contaminants like bacteria and hazardous chemicals are part of the mix, and cuts and scrapes can get infected from the dirty water.
Standing water is a mosquito’s paradise — and mosquitos carry disease. Use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wear long sleeves and pants when you go outside. Make sure to empty garbage cans, flowerpots, planters, toys, wading pools, buckets, and anything else that collects rainwater.
If you use a generator, NEVER use it inside your home or garage, even if you open your windows. Generators should be at least 20 feet from your home, doors, and windows. Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
Once you are safe, check on your neighbors, particularly those who are older or who have special needs.
Learn more about post-storm safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Disinfect your private well
If your private well was flooded, the Georgia Department of Health’s Coastal Health District offers helpful advice on disinfecting it to get rid of waterborne bacteria that can make you sick. You’ll need to wait until the floodwater covering your well has receded. CHD says you should follow these steps:
- Thoroughly clean all accessible surfaces, removing any loose debris. Then, wash the area with a strong chlorine solution of 1 quart of household bleach to 5 gallons of water.
- Remove the well cap and add 1 gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach.
- Run water from an outside faucet through a hose until you can smell a strong chlorine odor. Place the end of the hose in the well. Let the water run down the sides of the casing and circulate for at least 15 minutes. Replace the well cap.
- Turn off the hose and enter your home, opening each tap one at a time until you can smell the chlorine. Include hot water faucets. toilets, bathtub, washing machine, etc.
- Once the chlorine odor reaches all outlets, let the water system stand for at least 8 hours — and preferably overnight. Do not use any water during this time.
- Flush the chlorine out of the system by turning on an outside faucet. Let it run until you can’t smell the chlorine. Do not run any unnecessary water into your septic system, and do not let the chlorinated water drain into any stream or pond. You can’t flush your well too much!
- Retest your water to make sure it’s safe to drink. Over the next two weeks, take 2 more samples to make sure the results are clean. If you still have problems with the water, repeat the chlorination process and/or call a well professional.
Closures
All county offices are closed today, Wednesday, August 7 but are expected to reopen Thursday, August 8.
All State Court civil case dates and RedSpeed court proceedings have been cancelled for Wednesday, August 7. However, the Clerk of Court’s Office reopened at 8:30 a.m.
The City of Riceboro is closed until Thursday, August 8. The City Council meeting is postponed until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13. Mayor Chris Stacy says, “Please take all necessary precautions to be safe.”
Classes are cancelled at Savannah Tech today, Wednesday, August 7. According to STC, “While the College will be closed for in-person activities, certain staff, who are designated by their immediate supervisor, may be required to report to work during this closure.” STC will reevaluate the situation Tuesday and urges all students, faculty and staff to monitor college e-mail and phone messages, as well as STC’s emergency page and Facebook account.
Hinesville wastewater spill
Heavy rainfall spilled more than 11 million gallons of partially-treated wastewater at a City of Hinesville water treatment plant on Fort Stewart Monday. More than double the daily allowable total suspended solids were flushed downstream. The wastewater travels from a discharge canal on the base to Taylors Creek, then to the Canoochee, then to the Ogeechee River, then to Ossabaw Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Current was not able to reach anyone Tuesday evening from Fort Stewart, from ESG, the company that runs water treatment for the city, or the City of Hinesville for comment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources usually puts out a list of spills each workday, but that list has not been updated since Friday, August 2. We’ve left messages for Commissioner Gary Gilliard, who runs ESG for the city, and e-mailed City Manager Kenneth Howard seeking more specific information about the spill.
Dangerous flooding, eroded overpass on Oglethorpe Highway
Local streams overflowed their banks as dusk approached in Liberty and surrounding counties Tuesday evening. The Goshen Canal near Flemington on West Oglethorpe Highway turned into a swift-moving river and spread along the side of the road for about the length of a football field. The rising waters threatened a nearby home as well as the roadbed:
Longtime resident and former EPD Regional Water Planning Council member Phillip Odom explained the Goshen Canal is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 44 square-mile Peacock Creek drainage system.
On the eastbound side of Oglethorpe, part of the embankment on the west side of the CSX railroad overpass has eroded. Just before 6 p.m. Tuesday, a crew from the Georgia Department of Transportation placed barrels alongside the area, which has been washed away by the heavy rains:
The overpass is a major link between Liberty County and Richmond Hill and Savannah.
A new traffic light at Old Sunbury Road and Oglethorpe Highway at McLarry’s Curve between the Parkers convenience store and Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is expected to go live around midday today. Drivers should slow down and use caution at the new intersection.
In Hinesville, water is forcing its way out of a manhole cover in the 800 block of Forest Street:
Get ready for more rain
Saturated soil and isolated flooding from Tropical Storm Debby continue to pose a threat Wednesday morning. While Liberty County has escaped much of the worst of the storm thus far, surrounding areas have fared worse.
Storm awareness
Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn around — don’t drown! The National Weather Service says most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
Do not play or walk in floodwaters, which can contain hazardous materials and containers, as well as dangerous wildlife and submerged hazards like sharp objects or open manhole covers.
Don’t be fooled by breaks in the rain as bands from TS Debby circle back. Stay away from ditches, creeks, canals, small streams, and other moving water, especially in overflowing areas, which NWS says “may become raging rivers with strong currents.” In addition, “Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed or overwhelmed.”
Flooding is expected “to enter many structures within multiple communites,” with “some structures becoming uninhabitable or impassable.”
Drinking water and sewer systems could be affected by the heavy rainfall, NWS says.
In addition, NWS says floodwaters can cut off escape routes, submerge underpasses, and can make driving “impossible and life threatening.” Expect “widespread road and bridge closures with most weakened or washed out.”
Check Liberty County’s latest weather from the National Weather Service.
Storm impacts local family
A Walthourville family barely escaped death Monday night when a massive oak tree fell on and crushed their mobile home. Rachel Williams and her three sons, ages 3, 4, and 6, are staying temporarily at a local motel, according to Councilman Patrick Underwood.
Walthourville Fire Chief Nicolas Maxwell said the fallen tree had trapped the family inside. Two firefighters kicked in the back door as other trees continued to fall nearby, rescued the family, got them into Williams’ vehicle, then drove them out. The family spent the night in a local motel.
On Tuesday, Maxwell said, Walthourville firefighters responded again to a gas leak that address. They found the tree had completely uprooted, lifting one end of the mobile home and breaking off the gas meter.
“She could have stayed there last night, but it’s a good thing she didn’t,” Maxwell told The Current.
The city has contacted the Red Cross and United Way to help Williams get back on her feet. Underwood and Councilman Mitchell Boston also are trying to help find permanent housing for the family, Maxwell said.
Exercise caution
Liberty County EMA Director Robert Dodd reminds people not to roam around during and especially after the storm, due to potential hazards like downed electrical lines, fallen trees and limbs, and flooded or washed-out roadways.
QUESTIONS?
The Liberty County Emergency Management Authority has established a non-emergency number for residents to call with storm-related questions, starting at 8 p.m. EDT Monday, August 5. The number to call is 912-368-2202. According to the EMA, “This initiative is part of the county’s comprehensive preparedness plan to ensure public safety and provide timely information and support to the community during the storm.”
RUMOR CENTRAL
The Current debunked a false rumor spreading on Facebook that claimed a wall had collapsed at Liberty County High School. Liberty County School System Superintendent Dr. Franklin Perry told The Current some of the brick facade covering the wall had fallen off, but that it was not true that the wall had collapsed.
People who saw the false rumor on Facebook were driving past the school entrance to sightsee — among them, a mother and daughter — just as the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Liberty and surrounding counties.
Caution tape and plastic fencing had been torn down. Liberty County Sheriff Will Bowman said he would send a deputy over to check out the situation.
Do not rely on Facebook posts for information about emergency situations. Do not go sightseeing.
County officials are asking residents to stay off the roads, particularly as the storm intensifies and darkness falls, and to monitor local news sources for information.
If you have a news tip in Liberty County, text or call (404) 547-1171 or e-mail robin.kemp@thecurrentga.org and we’ll check it out.
Potentially historic heavy rainfall across southeast Georgia and eastern South Carolina through Friday will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding.
National Hurricane center
What to expect
- Monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
- Be prepared to protect life and property, especially in areas prone to flooding.
- If flooding develops, move to higher ground immediately.
- If driving, be prepared for flooded roadways and possible road closures.
Protect your life and property with these Flood Safety Tips from the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service’s #Debby One-Stop Page offers a collection of useful weather updates and resources for communities in the storm’s path.
A flood watch remains in effect until Friday morning for Bulloch, Candler, Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal Liberty, Coastal McIntosh, Effingham, Evans, Inland Bryan, Inland Chatham, Inland Liberty, Inland McIntosh, Jenkins, Long, Screven and Tattnall and southeast South Carolina, including Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Dorchester, Hampton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Colleton, Inland Jasper and Tidal Berkeley.
Local streams
By 5 p.m. Monday evening, ditches that feed into Peacock Creek on Tupelo Trail near the Liberty County Armed Forces YMCA were nearly full, with water up to the tops of culverts and threatening the roadway and bridge leading into James A. Brown Park.
A piece of heavy machinery got stuck on a steep, slick bank while removing a log from Peacock Creek near The Enclave at Oak Crest subdivision in Hinesville Monday morning, Another piece of heavy equipment had to put a chain around the first machine and pull it free.
‘Historic and catastrophic flooding’ predicted
Liberty County Public Works employees help residents fill sandbags as Hurricane Debby approaches, Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Liberty County Public Works employees help residents fill sandbags as Hurricane Debby approaches, Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Threatening skies looking east towards the marshes, I-95 and E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Linemen from Habersham EMC at I-95 and E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Last-minute topping off at the Parker’s in Flemington, GA is one preparation for Hurricane Debby, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Sandbags in place at a home in Hinesville, GA as Hurricane Debby approaches, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
As Hurricane Debby nears, runoff from a county dirt road continues to piague disabled veteran Charles Dawson’s home 6 months after The Current reported on the problem, Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
As Hurricane Debby nears, runoff from a county dirt road continues to piague disabled veteran Charles Dawson’s home 6 months after The Current reported on the problem, Midway, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Liberty County Emergency Management Agency, Hinesville, GA, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Sandbags at a Hinesville home ahead of Tropical Storm Debby, August 5, 2024. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA 
Workers pull heavy equipment out of Peacock Creek, Hinesville, GA after removing a log that was blocking stormwater flow early on Monday. Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://weather.gov/chs
https://ready.gov/hurricanes
Flood watch
The National Weather Service says:
Closures
Liberty County Courts
All Superior Court and State Court dates have been cancelled on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6, according to Clerk of Superior Court Linda Dixon Thompson.
Liberty County Elections and Registration
The Liberty County Voter Registration Office will be closed Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6.
City of Hinesville
City of Hinesville offices will be closed on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6. Officials will decide later whether to reopen on Wednesday or Thursday.
Hinesville Housing Authority
The Hinesville Housing Authority’s office is closed through at least Tuesday, August 6.
Liberty County Board of Commissioners
From County Manager Joey Brown: The regular meeting of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners scheduled for August 6, 2024 at 6 p.m. has been cancelled. Agenda items scheduled for consideration at that meeting will be considered during the next meeting of the Commission, which is scheduled for August 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. at the same meeting location.
County offices remain closed until Thursday, August 8.
Liberty County Development Authority
The Liberty County Development Authority says it will reschedule the August 6 board meeting.
Liberty County Armed Services YMCA
The Liberty County Armed Services YMCA in Hinesville is closed Monday and Tuesday, and will determine whether to restore branch hours and programs for Wednesday. Stay up to date on all YMCA of Coastal Georgia closings at https://ow.ly/k50C50SQQBH .
School Closures
LCSS
The Liberty County School System has postponed the first day of classes until Thursday, August 8. All 12-month employees and critical workers should still report on Monday, August 5. They will post any updates on social media and on LCSS’ website.
Fort Stewart
Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield “will have a delayed start of 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 7. Commanders are given discretion for Soldiers reporting based on life, health, and safety considerations. Contact your chain of command or first-line supervisor for reporting instructions.”
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s Liberty Campus and Armstrong Campus will reduce operations, with campus open only to essential personnel as of 12 noon Monday, August 5. The Statesboro Campus will only be open to essential personnel as of 5 p.m. Monday, August 5. Expect reduced operations through at least Wednesday. Limited dining operations will be available Monday. No dining will be available Tuesday or Wednesday. All on-campus events are cancelled until further notice. Monitor Georgia Southern’s Alert Center page for updates.
General information
City of Hinesville Homeless Emergency Response
From the City of Hinesville’s Homeless Prevention Program:
The City of Hinesville’s Homeless Prevention Program provides emergency shelter assistance 24 hours a day through partnership with the City of Hinesville Police Department, City of Hinesville Fire Department and Liberty County Emergency Management.
In the event of severe weather conditions (Tropical Storm, Hurricane, Severe Cold/Heat Advisories, the below protocol should be utilized.
Individuals seeking shelter on behalf of their household or other unsheltered persons:
- 1. Please call the HPP after-hours line at 912-271-9882 to request assistance. The following information will need to be provided:
• Name (of all adults 18 years or older)
• Date of Birth (of all adults 18 years or older)
• Number of minors in the household
• Contact Information (phone & email)
• Status of photo identification for all adult household members - 2. HPP staff will correspond with HPP hotel partners and follow up with information regarding the location for emergency shelter and all other pertinent reservation details.
- 3. Emergency shelter assistance will be provided until the conclusion of the severe weather event and check out date will coincide with City of Hinesville operations resuming.
- 4. Individuals/Households receiving emergency shelter assistance under these conditions are expected to present to City Hall once the severe weather event has concluded to provide further demographic information and submit a formal application for assistance.
Liberty County Emergency Management
Monitor the Liberty County Emergency Management Authority’s homepage and Facebook page for important safety updates, including Liberty County-specific alerts from the National Weather Service.
Road Conditions and Closures
Georgia Department of Transportation’s GA511 map shows real-time weather hazards and road closures. Remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Just a few inches of floodwater can float your vehicle.
Travel Information
If you or someone you know is on the road, check Explore Georgia’s Travel Alert page for updates on available lodging, airports, weather reports, and visitor information centers. Several state parks are closed.
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) says it will “remain operational,” although weather conditions could cause airlines to delay or cancel flights. Check with your airline for the latest flight information and be sure to allow extra time to park. Expect to get to the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
New to the area?
New to the area? Download a copy of the University of Georgia’s Resident’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters in Georgia. Be aware that many local creeks and rivers are tidal, that we get two cycles of high and low tides each day, and that the time for each of those high and low tides changes daily. Check out the helpful app and website TidesNearMe, which includes tides at Halfmoon and Sunbury in Midway. Rainfall amounts are on top of whatever the tide is at a given time.
The only official government source of weather information is the National Weather Service and its related agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center. State, county, and local government agencies get their information from this source, as well as from professional meteorologists at The Weather Channel.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: 911 (life-threatening only)
Liberty County EMA damage reporting: 912-368-2201
Liberty Regional Medical Center: 912-369-9400
Liberty County Sheriff’s Office: 912-876-2131
Hinesville Police: 912-368-8211
Walthourville Police: 912-368-6525
Georgia Power (Downed lines/dangerous situations only): 888-891-0938
Coastal Electric Cooperative: 800-421-2343
U.S. Coast Guard Station Tybee: 912-786-5440
U.S. Coast Guard Station Brunswick: 912-267-7999
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