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Flooding closes interstates as heavy rain drenches southeast Georgia
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Flooding closes interstates as heavy rain drenches southeast Georgia

Flooding closes a portion of I-16 in south Georgia due to heavy rains on November 7, 2024.

Flooding rains inundated several counties in southeast Georgia on Thursday, where a portion of Interstate 16 was closed, with westbound lanes covered in water.

Rain on Wednesday and Thursday inundated Bulloch and Screven counties with about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) of rain, according to the National Weather Service. Several counties were under flood warnings from Thursday morning until evening.

Bulloch County authorities reported dozens of roads under water. And traffic had to be rerouted off I-16 near Statesboro after all westbound lanes were closed due to flooding, the Georgia Department of Transportation said on its website.

Further east, Savannah was drenched by an estimated 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) of rainfall. Local news outlets showed images of cars stuck in flooded streets with water over their bumpers.

No injuries were immediately reported.

Heavy rains were falling in some Georgia communities that saw river flooding from Tropical Storm Debby in August. Evans County emergency officials said in a social media post that the Canoochee River was expected to approach the same height that triggered low-lying flooding during Debby.

“If you were flooded during Debby, there’s a good chance you’ll be flooded now,” Evans County Emergency Management posted on Facebook.