Savannah's Deluge and Ogeechee’s Wrath, SCCPSS school bus routes change & Boil Water Advisory

Good morning, Savannah!

In today’s newsletter:

• Savannah's Deluge and Ogeechee’s Wrath

• SCCPSS school buses may pick up your child in a different spot this week

• Boil Water Advisory

Let’s get to it.
-Jay Paszamant

Flooding the Lowcountry: Savannah's Deluge and Ogeechee’s Wrath

The Storm Descends on Savannah

In the summer of 2024, Savannah, Georgia, renowned for its picturesque squares and historic charm, faced an unexpected calamity. A formidable storm system threatened to unleash heavy rains and flooding across Georgia's coastal areas. As the storm loomed, the people of Savannah prepared for the worst.

Savannah Underwater

On a sweltering August morning, the skies unleashed torrents of rain, transforming Savannah's bustling streets into rivers. Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain, became a vast lake, while the historic district's cobblestone streets disappeared beneath rising waters. Despite residents' efforts to protect their homes and businesses with sandbags and barriers, the relentless rain overwhelmed the city's drainage systems.

A United Community

Amid the chaos, Savannah's community spirit shone brightly. City workers helped ten residents from five houses in knee-deep water at Tremont Park find local shelters that opened their doors to those in need. Volunteers organize food and supply drives, ensuring everyone has access to essentials.

Ongoing Battle in Neighborhoods Near the Ogeechee River

While Savannah begins its recovery, nearby residents near the Ogeechee River face a persistent challenge. The river, swollen from the same storm, continues to flood, affecting homes, businesses, and agriculture. Various roadways, including portions of Highway 17 near King's Ferry Park, are closed, complicating travel and logistics.

Community Response to Ogeechee River Flood

Residents and officials are taking proactive steps to address the ongoing flood threat:

1. River Basin Management Planning: Georgia has adopted a river basin planning approach since the 1990s to manage watersheds effectively. This involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing water resource issues and developing strategies to reduce pollution, enhance aquatic habitats, and ensure a reliable water supply. Part of this initiative, the Ogeechee River Basin Management Plan includes strategies for managing water quantity and environmental stressors and addresses concerns and priority issues.

2. Community Engagement and Data Collection: The Ogeechee Riverkeeper has developed a survey tool for citizens to report flooding incidents. This tool helps track changes in water patterns, such as tidal flooding and overflowing canals, which are crucial for understanding and mitigating flood risks. The collected data aids in public comments and developmental planning, ensuring that future projects consider flood risks.

3. Flood Mitigation Strategies: Local governments, such as Bryan County, provide resources and information on flood protection, including relocating buildings to higher ground, keeping water away from properties, and retrofitting structures to withstand flooding. Additionally, the City of Savannah has a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan that reduces flood insurance premiums and aids floodplain and stormwater management efforts.

Learning and Preparing for the Future

Savannah and its neighboring communities learned valuable lessons from these events. Savannah must invest in upgrading its drainage systems and enhancing early warning systems, while neighborhoods like Bradley Point and Teal Lake focus on long-term resilience through sustainable development practices and community engagement.

A Unified Front

Savannah's challenges underscored the importance of community and preparedness. These neighboring communities demonstrated their strength and determination to overcome adversity by coming together, sharing resources, and supporting one another.

Savannah will become a model of resilience as it rebuilds and strengthens its defenses, ready to face whatever nature might bring. The residents were united in their commitment to protecting their homes and each other.

_{LOCAL WEATHER}

Today - 🌦️ A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm. 🌤️Sunny, with a high near 93. 🌡️ Heat index values as high as 106. 🍃🍃Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tonight - 🌥️ Partly cloudy, 🌡️ with a low around 77. 🍃🍃South wind 5 to 7 mph, becoming calm after midnight.

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