The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is monitoring Tropical Storm Debby as it is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane, bringing with it a prolonged rainfall and flooding event in South Central and Southeast Georgia. Governor Brian P. Kemp has issued a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties in anticipation of the storm. Georgia DOT teams statewide have equipment loaded and crews are on alert, including immediate-response strike teams ready to respond to the historic rainfall event and expected flooding in Southern and Southeastern Georgia this week. Motorists can expect detours and road closures as the department responds to the anticipated impacts of the storm.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts rainfall totals in Southeast Georgia, particularly within 50 miles of Savannah, could be as much as 20 inches which is highly unusual for the area. Additionally, there exists a high probability of strong winds and flash, urban, and river flooding. For the safety of the department’s employees, Georgia DOT crews monitor weather conditions at all times and will stop cleanup and debris removal from interstates and state routes when sustained winds reach 40 mph. Work will resume once sustained wind speeds die down. Priority will be placed on interstates, then state routes with highest priority given to routes to hospitals and other essential public services.
Georgia DOT is preparing on a statewide level in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service and state and local officials. The traveling public’s safety is a top priority as department readies for this major weather event and advises motorists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly following the storm when roads may still be impacted by debris and could be impassable. If you must travel and encounter a Georgia DOT vehicle or crew out on the roadways, please give them the space to accomplish their critically important tasks safely.
Motorists are reminded to remain cognizant of standing or rushing water and to respond appropriately to road conditions that could change quickly. Please remember that when heavy rainfall occurs in a very short amount of time, water on roadways – even with storm drains that function well under normal rainfall – can rise temporarily similarly to creeks and rivers. Motorists should take caution and be prepared to turn around when encountering water in the roadway. Vehicles can get swept away by as little as twelve inches of moving water.
The I-95 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 95 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-95 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
