The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for more than 30 counties in Southeast Georgia Wednesday, but as of 6 p.m. they had all ended.
The watch was in effect until 6 p.m. for some of the nearly 40 counties in the region, which included Savannah and other surrounding areas. Though the tornado threat has ceased, some have endured rain levels that will make traveling on rural roads dangerous, according to a report by ABC affiliate WJCL. In light of that, Tatnall County Schools have opted to close on Thursday and Friday due to poor road conditions. Evans County will also close its doors Thursday. A decision has not been made about Friday, according to school officials. Savannah-Chatham Public Schools and Bryant County will suspend all after-school activity Thursday, according to a Facebook post.
According to CBS-affilate WCTV meteorologist Charles Roop, the heavy rain and thunderstorms will move into Thursday morning, when a second round of storms are expected due to a low pressure system moving into the region.
Several of the areas affected by the stormy conditions, like Bulloch County, have dirt roads, so county officials are emphasizing the importance of extreme caution while driving.
"Due to the excessive rainfall Bulloch County has experienced over the past 2 weeks, Public Works, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services is asking that the public restrict/discontinue travel on all dirt roads with the exception of deliveries, residents living on these roads, law enforcement, and emergency services. Unnecessary travel on these roads continues to exacerbate a mounting problem,” reads a Bulloch County statement obtained by WJCL.
The message goes on to say that there are as many as 5 inches of rain expected in the county over the next two days.
“ Please stay off all dirt roads unless it is necessary,” the message reads.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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