GDOT begins preparation for tropical storm Debby

MGN

GEORGIA (WDEF) — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for all 159 counties in the state ahead of tropical storm Debby.

Debby is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall Monday, August 5, 2024.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is anticipating Debby to bring prolonged rainfall over South Central and Southeast Georgia along with flash flooding, and strong winds.

The National Hurricane Center is even 20 inches of rainfall within 50 miles of Savannah.

GDOT says motorists can expect detours and road closures as the department responds to the anticipated impacts of the storm.

The Georgia Department of Transportation also wants to remind everyone that they will be working diligently to clear roadways of any debris.

However, if wind speeds reach 40 mph, work will pause until wind speeds calm down.

The main focus will be on the interstates.

GDOT will then proceed to state routes with hospital routes first on the priority list.

Motorists are urged to take caution, to be aware of standing or rushing water, and to respond accordingly as things could change quickly.

It can be very unsafe to cross water over the roadway.

GDOT says that vehicles can be swept away by as little as 12 inches of water.