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Flash Flood Watch through This Evening for the Coastal Empire and Low Country

By Lee Haywood
Published: December 18, 2009

A flash flood watch remains in effect for the Coastal Empire and Low Country through this evening. The following counties are included in the watch:

Jenkins- Screven- Candler- Bulloch- Effingham- Tattnall- Evans- Bryan- Chatham- Long- Liberty- Mcintosh- Allendale- Hampton- Colleton- Jasper- Beaufort

Including the cities of... Millen... Sylvania... Metter... Statesboro... Springfield... Reidsville... Claxton... Pembroke... Fort mcallister... Savannah... Tybee Island... Ludowici... Hinesville... Halfmoon Landing... Townsend... Darien... Allendale... Hampton... Walterboro... Ridgeland...Beaufort...Hilton Head... Edisto Beach

A developing low pressure system will move out of the eastern Gulf of Mexico and up along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina through tonight. Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall will spread across the area this morning and continue into the evening before tapering off as the low moves north of the region. Portions of the area have received between 2 and 5 inches of rain during the last week and another 2 to 3 inches is expected with localized totals of 4 or more inches possible.

Soils remain saturated from recent heavy rain and less rainfall will be needed to produce flooding. Tides will also be running higher than normal. Coastal urban locations like savannah could experience significant flooding should heavy rainfall develop during the morning or evening high tides. Flooding across inland locations will be most likely in urban areas and low spots along rural roads. A number of rivers remain in flood across the region including portions of the Savannah... Ogeechee... Ohoopee and Canoochee rivers. Additional rises and continued river flooding can be expected.

A flash flood watch means there is a potential for flash flooding based on current forecasts. Monitor the latest forecasts and be alert for possible flash flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action if flooding develops.