Flooding from Ogeechee River may take 4-6 days to recede as "historic flooding event" continues

Impacts from Ogeechee River flooding can be expected in Chatham County through early this week, with water not fully receding until potentially Thursday or Friday, according to local officials.

Neighborhoods in Savannah and Chatham County's southwestern regions have experienced significant flooding in recent days due to rising water levels in the Ogeechee River. Leaders from the City of Savannah, Chatham County and Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) provided an update Sunday morning on the state of the county's flooding.

"We recognize that we are still engaged in a very intensive, multi-day event," said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. "It looks like things will get worse before they get better."

Savannah City Manager Jay Melder said the Ogeechee is still rising near Savannah neighborhoods, although city models show it may crest Sunday instead of Monday or Tuesday. It will likely rise to at least 10.5 feet, Melder said.

CEMA Director Dennis Jones said the historic flood level at Kings Ferry Bridge was previously 7.2 feet set in 2020. Early Sunday morning that level was at 10.19 feet.

"We are setting history. This is a historic flooding event for our community," Jones said.

The river crested at 17.9 feet upriver at the county's Eden gauge. However, that water continues to flow east toward the Atlantic Ocean. Jones said areas east of U.S. Highway 17 will need particular attention as the water continues to move towards the ocean.

It could take 4 to 6 days for the waters to fully recede, Jones said.

The flooding has left many residents in need of evacuation. City of Savannah first responders rescued 150 individuals from neighborhoods yesterday and throughout the night, Melder said.

In Richmond Hill Sunday, there were residents using john boats and kayaks for volunteer rescues in the Rushing Station neighborhood.

Officials also warned of the dangers of wading or driving through flood waters. Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis said he saw a catfish in floodwaters yesterday, a sign that wildlife could be in those waters.

The flooding has caused multiple road closures in impacted areas. That includes U.S. 17, Bradley Boulevard, Dunnoman Drive at Grayson Avenue, and Bush Road at Highway 205/Fort Argyle Road.

The City of Savannah has a command post set up at Fire Station 12, and there is an emergency shelter for those impacted at Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy, 2001 Cynthia St., which is also open to pets. There are currently 10 people using the shelter.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Flooding from Ogeechee River may take 4-6 days to recede, officials say