Evans Co. residents see catastrophic flooding

EVANS COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Flooding of the Canoochee River has broken records previously set by Hurricane Debby.

There is major flooding in Evans County, and anyone you talk to out there will tell you what they’re seeing right now is worse than the catastrophic flooding this community experienced during Debby.

Evans County Emergency Management Agency Director Justin Denton says that Evans County Fire, the Sheriff’s Office, and Pembroke fire have been running water rescues since around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Friday morning.

WTOC’s reporter saw people, and dogs, get rescued through out the course of Friday.

Denton says that unlike with Hurricane Debby, or even Hurricane Helene, people had no time or warning to prepare for this rain event. That’s been even more devastating.

“They didn‘t have near as much time. When you’re not expecting to get flooded and all of the sudden the floods here, you don’t have time to get ready. You don’t have time to get out and get to high ground,” said Denton.

Water rescues continue as the Canoochee River continues to flood.

“There’s really nothing you can prepare for. No matter how many sandbags you get, if it’s gonna be this deep, nothing’s gonna stop it,” said Dakota Fountain who lives in Evans County.

Driving into Evans County, the water is up to the side of the road, even on parts of 280 near the Canoochee River.

“I have never seen this before. I know it gets flooded out here, but I’ve never seen it like this. Not up to the road. I’ve seen it cross maybe a couple inches, two three inches by the road, but not as deep as it is now. Ever,” Fountain said.

“This may be a little worse than Debby was. This may be comparable, but I believe this is a little worse than what we saw during that storm,” Denton said.

“What makes you say that,” asked WTOC reporter Shea Schrader.

“The water levels are higher, and we have more road damage than we did at that time,” Denton replied.

The Canoochee River is likely to crest Friday night, but Denton is warning residents to stay vigilant and seek higher ground for the time being.

Some good news to report, no deaths or injuries have been reported in Evans County.

But Denton says this situation snuck up on everyone, and the flooding is not over yet.

“If you can get to high ground, get to high ground. If you need assistance, call 911. We’ve got guys willing to help you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Denton.

Our First Alert Weather team is forecasting the Canoochee River to crest Friday night at 18.8 feet, which is higher than it was during Hurricane Debby.