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9/29/2024
 Impacted by Hurricane Helene? Drinking water comments, questions or concerns? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email us at info@wtla.us
September 29, 2024 1115 am EDT
Hurricane Helene aftermath, WT report on the widespread flooding in Georgia on its way down to Florida
Mostly clear and sunny in New Orleans this hour as Louisiana streamflows run mostly normal state wide. Below to much below normal flow values are popping up in Regions 3, 5 and 7 prolonging below normal ratings on the drought map. An area running along the Bayou Macon-Tensas River channel through north watershed Region 3 remains in extreme drought as water volume coming down Bayou Macon from Arkansas remains low. No active flooding or extreme high or low flows are recorded as of this report Sunday.
The situation in the southeast states is absolutely dire. Washed out roads, power outages isolating people running out of food and water following the deadliest storm event in history for South Carolina, a Tennessee Valley dam overwhelmed and in danger of collapse, widespread flooding throughout Georgia is shifting southward, sending an aftershock of sorts back to Florida. Hurricane Helene struck Florida's Gulf Coast late last Thursday night,September 26. The latest reports indicate the death toll at 64.
National Weather Service Peachtree City this morning reporting widespread flooding is ongoing, "expected to continue through the upcoming week, with impacts becoming increasingly focused along main stem rivers in
central Georgia like the Flint, Ocmulgee and Oconee."
Streamflow Situation in Georgia
Chaos and mayhem continue in Georgia as overland runoff from Helene is gathered to the larger river systems, further complicating matters downstream in Florida where the initial impact of the Category 4 Hurricane has already done its devastating business.
Most flooding in the north and around Atlanta has receded, floodwater pushing deeper south this hour. In the Gulf of Mexico drainage area also impacting Florida, the Chattahoochee River is still flooding from near Whitesburg to Columbus. High flow levels downstream of Columbus appear to be leveling out as of this report. Flint River is no longer flooding in the upper end Woolsey and Lovejoy. Flint peaked at five feet over flood stage near Griffin, on the decline now, still running two and a half feet over the channel. Flint is running over at Big Branch near Molena and Thomaston, running five and a half feet above flood stage near Carsonville, all levels on the decline as of this report. Ochlockonee River is flooding from GA 188 near Coolidge all the way down to Concord station and in between. Suwannee River watershed is flooding along the Little River near Adel, Withlacoochee River near Bemiss, Alapaha River from GA 125 near Irwinville down to Alapaha, this water level is on a steady rise heading for moderate flood stage. All of this inundation is headed for the Gulf via Florida.
On the Atlantic side of the drainage divide, Yellow River and lesser tributaries of the Ocmulgee River near Milstead and Rocky Plains. Ocmulgee River is no longer flooding at Jackson, the flood has shifted south to GA18, flooding at Dames Ferry. Water level rising in Ocmulgee River, more than nine feet over on the way to major flood stage at Macon. Oconee River is flooding near Penfield, another Altamaha tributary the Ohoopee River flooding at GA 297 near Swainsboro. When Oconee, Ocmulgee and Ohoopee get together downstream, Altamaha is likely to flood next. Satilla River watershed has one station recording flooding so far, the Alabaha River is out of the channel at GA 203 near Blackshear. Ogeechee River is flooding at Midville, Savannah River minor tributary Brier Creek is flooding near Waynesboro. Watch the black tags on the map to the right for updates on flow levels. More to follow.
Safe Drinking Water Advisories
With power outages all over the southeast states, drinking water advisories will also be widespread when power is restored and service resumes. More to follow.
A statement from Georgia Power, "Hurricane Helene has been an historic event, becoming our most destructive hurricane, damaging infrastructure across the state. Estimated Restoration Times (ERTs) are now available for all impacted by the storm. These ERTs are not a guess, but represent the most accurate estimate that we can make based on our in the field assessments. Our teams will continue to work around the clock to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. For insights into our progress visit the Outages and Storm Center, here.
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