VALDOSTA — Lowndes County announced early this morning that county Emergency Management has officially activated the Emergency Operations Center.

Responders from across the community, representing local governments, state agencies, utilities, healthcare and more will monitor conditions and initiate response as needed, the county said. Severe weather to include continued rain is expected to last throughout the day.

A Hurricane Warning and a Flood Watch remain in effect for Lowndes County. 

“As of now, the biggest concern is rainfall with the forecast still indicating 10-15 inches of rain in Lowndes County,” said Meghan Barwick, county public information officer. “Rivers are currently expected to crest at Skipper Bridge on Friday, August 9, and Highway 84 on Saturday, August 10. Being that river levels are already high and soils are saturated, flooding is expected. 

“In some instances where minor flooding occurs, sandbags may help,” Barwick said. “Citizens that lived in Lowndes County during the flood of 2009, will remember that rising water quickly overcame sandbags. Citizens should decide if time is better spent combating water with sandbags or moving belongings above floor levels or out of structures. If you have experienced water in your home or business in the past due to river flooding, you may experience flooding due to Hurricane Debby. Boil water advisories may be issued in the event well heads are submerged.”

Wind also remains a threat. Strong tropical storm force winds may range between 58-73 mph. 

“Be prepared to lose power,” Barwick warned. “Local public works crews, utilities, fire departments and law enforcement are standing by to clear roads as conditions will allow. Local utilities have additional crews staged in Lowndes County so that power can be restored after roads are cleared.” 

Flash flooding will occur as a result of heavy rain, she said. Please shelter in place during periods of severe weather. Do not under any circumstances attempt to drive across a flooded road, street or bridge. 

Please call 911 only in the case of an emergency. 

Barwick encouraged all Lowndes County residents to follow a few links that will provide the most up-to-date information for our area during Hurricane Debby:

• National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
• National Weather Service, Tallahassee: www.weather.gov/tae/
• Lowndes County Code Red Sign Up: www.lowndescounty.com and click on the CodeRed icon.
• EMA Lowndes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowndesEMA

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.