Officials in Savannah, Georgia, are urging residents to prepare for unprecedented flooding as Tropical Storm Debby heads towards the region. The city is facing a potential rainfall event that is being described as a once-in-a-thousand-year occurrence.
City Manager Jay Melder emphasized the severity of the situation at a press conference, warning that forecasts are predicting up to 20 inches of rain over a two to three-day period. This level of rainfall is expected to surpass anything the city has experienced before.
Residents in Chatham County, which includes Savannah, are accustomed to flooding during heavy rain, but officials are cautioning that this event could be on a different scale. County Chairman Chester Ellis expressed concerns about the intensity of the rain and the potential for widespread surprise among residents.
Preparations are underway, with multiple sandbag stations running out of supplies on Sunday night. Efforts are being made to restock these stations promptly to assist residents in protecting their properties.
To ensure public safety, a countywide curfew will be implemented starting at 10 p.m. ET on Monday. The decision to impose the curfew was made in anticipation of hazardous conditions due to the expected heavy rainfall.
Mayor Van Johnson has called on businesses to allow employees to leave early to ensure their safety. He emphasized the importance of showing grace and understanding during this challenging time.
As Savannah braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Debby, residents are urged to take all necessary precautions and stay informed about the evolving situation.
