Parts of Bulloch County are experiencing significant flooding after a deluge of rain swept through the area overnight, with some locations recording more than 8 inches of rain on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Most of this rainfall struck within just a few hours, creating fast and dangerous conditions across the province.

Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputies and Bulloch County Public Works personnel are actively monitoring road conditions and reporting multiple closures. Some of these road closures are expected to be temporary, lasting only a few hours until the water recedes. However, certain dirt roads and some paved roads have sustained more significant damage and will require in-depth evaluations. The Bulloch County Public Works Department noted that full assessments on many roads cannot be completed until the water recedes significantly.

At 2 p.m. Thursday, the I-16 Westbound water crossing around Exit 113 caused the temporary closure.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston reports that the most intense rainfall is likely over, although the area could still see an inch or more throughout Thursday and into the night. A flood watch remains in effect for Bulloch County until 7pm Thursday.

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown told Grice Connect that there were more roads closed than there were road signs. He urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling in the province. If they come to a road that is flooded, turn around and do not cross. It is difficult to see the condition of the road underwater.

He reported that they have closed Adabell Road towards Excelsior and Adablee Road towards Kennedy Bridge Road due to concerns about water levels moving under the bridges.

Bulloch County EMA is working to maintain an updated list of road closures on its Facebook page for residents to monitor.

Emergency crews, including the Statesboro Fire Department, Bulloch County Fire Department, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputies and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) officers, have evacuated approximately ten families from their homes since midnight due to rising waters.

Support organizations such as Bulloch VOAD and Bulloch Strong provide hotel accommodations and seek longer-term housing options for affected families.

With a flood watch still in effect, the NWS is warning residents to be vigilant for flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Excessive runoff could continue to impact rivers, creeks and low-lying areas, with additional rainfall bringing further risks. All residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads and remain prepared for possible flash flood warnings.

For more information on road closures and local emergency updates, follow Bulloch County EMA on Facebook.