ATLANTA – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday declared a state of emergency in 23 counties flooded by rainstorms that caused rivers to overflow, left many roads under water and, in some areas, prompted first responders to rescue residents whose homes were surrounded by water.

Kemp’s order frees up state resources to help communities flooded by rain Wednesday and Thursday across a wide swath of south Georgia. The downpours hit some of the same areas still recovering from damaging winds from Hurricane Helene in September, as well as flooding from Tropical Storm Debby in August. No injuries were immediately reported.

Rural Evans County saw more than 10 inches of rain over two days, and first responders in boats rescued people Friday in low-lying areas along the Canoochee River near Claxton, WTOC-TV reported. The National Weather Service said the river was forecast to crest at a record 18.7 feet Friday night.

The weather service said more than 12 inches of rain fell in Valdosta near the Georgia-Florida line, causing flooding that left roads impassable and forced schools to close, the Valdosta Daily Times reported.

Nearly 9 inches of rain fell in Savannah, overwhelming storm drains and causing cars to get stuck on flooded streets. West of the coastal city, the westbound lanes of Interstate 16 had to be closed Thursday near Statesboro after being covered in water.