Early morning storms stemming from Hurricane Sally passed through Washington County on Thursday, September 17.
Copious amounts of rainfall caused a hectic scene throughout the county.
“These situations are very dangerous,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran in response to the flash flooding.
He took to social media on Thursday morning urging the public to refrain from driving at the time. It was according to Sheriff Cochran that many roadways in the county were completely impassable due to the amount of rainfall.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) echoed the Sheriff’s comments and asked citizens to only travel if it was deemed as essential.
Washington County EMA reminded drivers that six (6) inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger cars and cause loss of control and possible stalling, while twelve (12) inches of water can send many vehicles afloat.
At 8:00 A.M. on Thursday morning, Washington County Public Schools cancelled in-person classes in response to the local flooding.
“After receiving further updates from the Emergency Management Association and our Sheriff’s Department, we will not be having in-person classes today,” read a notice from the school system.
Washington County Public Schools also called off in-person classes for Friday, September 18. All students will take classes in the virtual learning setting that was created for students who opted to school from home during the current COVID-19 situation.
Superintendent Dr. Rickey Edmond stated that he anticipates in-person classes to resume on Monday, September 21. If road conditions are still a concern and the school system deems the situation unsafe for buses and cars to travel, they will notify parents and/or guardians on Sunday, September 20.
“We would like to thank you for your responsiveness, support, and patience during this unusual situation,” said Dr. Edmond.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) alerted travelers of the closing of Georgia Highway 24 East in Washington County on Thursday. The heavy rainfall from Hurricane Sally caused two pipes to blow between Sandersville and Davisboro in the area near Prosser Road.
According to GDOT, the highway is closed to thru traffic in the area until further notice. They estimate it to be impassable for several weeks while repairs are coordinated.
The Washington County Sherriff’s Office attempted to update essential travelers of road closures and impassable conditions on county roadways on Thursday. The last provided message mentioned the following roads as closed or experiencing travel difficulties. Travelers should be aware that these roads may still be closed/impassable at particular points at this time.
Highway 242, Highway 68, Highway 23, Peacock Springs, Deer Hunter, Lamar’s Creek, Freetown, Burdette, Yank Brown, Sunhill, Sunhill Grange, Jones, Eastlake, Riddleville Mt. Moriah, Irwins, Ridge, McCoy Pond, Henderson Grove, Kitrell Creek, Jordan Mill Pond, Bonnell Circle, Bussell, Middle Hill, Hilltop, Bay Springs, Circle Drive, South Sparta Davisboro, Peacock, Cedar Creek, Mt. Gilead, Grady Mertz, Freetown, Holmes Cannery, Northlake, Plantation, Parsons, Salter, Betha Lane, Heards Bridge/Francis Bridge, West Indian Hill, Channell, Piney Mount.
