SAFETY ALERT: What to do if there’s flooding in your area
MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It was a rainy weekend in the CSRA, and that’s going to continue into the new week.
For some, that means flooded roads and yards.
We’re learning a Columbia County neighborhood has to watch how many inches they get in their yards or streets or risk finding massive puddles in their way the next day.
Those who live in the Forest Creek Neighborhood are more used to storm damage than others in the area.
Operation City Clean-up initiative helps beautify Augusta
The Mayor’s Office collaborated with the sheriff’s office and other city departments in the Harrisburg corridor early Saturday to clean up trash and debris in the area.
With all that rain we got over the weekend and hurricane season underway, they’ve got to know when a storm is coming.
We talked to several people who live in the neighborhood. They say ever since Hurricane Helene and trees down along Reeds Creek, flooding has happened at nearly every rainfall.
Jimmy Lea says he once had a pool and nice fence in his back yard but because of the constant flooding, he had to permanently remove them.
He and his neighbors are upset that they can no longer put anything in their backyards.
Lea says he and his neighbors feel abandoned by the county on this issue.
Deadly storm leaves a path of damage through CSRA
Sheets of rain came down as thunder roared during the storm that started suddenly – although not unexpectedly.
“It’s hard to get any clear answers from them. I’ve talked to an engineer or someone in charge out here twice where they were looking at grading through the property lines and stuff and picked up there right away. But they don’t want to deal with anything else. That’s not what they consider their right of way,” said Lea.
Lea says the problem could actually be getting worse.
“We’re just waiting to see what’s going to happen with the next large rain flooding rain because it’s essentially a dam all the way across there. There are places where the trees are still across the creek. That’s only going to create more backflow. And I anticipate that it may get as high as it was during the hurricane,” he said.
Neighbors say their plan of action right now is to keep their backyards as free of debris and clean as possible.
We’ve reached out to Columbia County officials about the flooding issues.
Parts of Columbia County experience water problems following Saturday’s storm
Some parts of Columbia County are experiencing water discoloration issues after Saturday night's storm.
SAFETY TIPS
As the rain continues throughout the week, we’re on your side with tips to help keep you and your family safe.
- If you’re on the road when it’s raining and the wind is mixed in with it, experts say to avoid using high beams but make sure your headlights are on.
- They can help you and other drivers see where you’re going. High beams, though, could blind them.
- If your car stalls in a flooded area, do not stay inside. Get out as soon as possible and to higher ground.
- If a traffic light isn’t working, treat it like a 4-way stop. Check to make sure there are no pedestrians or someone about to turn in your path.
Experts say to create an emergency kit when severe weather comes into your area.
This can go in your home or car because it holds food, water, medications you take and important documents you’ll need for a couple of days.
Clearing the gutters and drains by your house is another way to reduce flooding.
Secure any outdoor furniture, tools and toys your kids use.
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