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UGA Expert Pam Knox on Rain and Possible Flooding in Athens Area

National Weather Service

A flash flood watch is in effect for Central and North Georgia, including the Athens area. According to the National Weather Service, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected today through Thursday afternoon. Pam Knox is Director of the University of Georgia Weather Network and an agricultural climatologist.

“The rain pattern looks like it’s going to stay here, it could stay for the next month, so we’re going to see more conditions like this. That means you have to continually be aware being safe when you drive that you don’t drive over flooded areas if they do happen.”

Forecasts say with high streamflows and already saturated soils, runoff from this additional rain will lead to a greater threat of flash flooding.

“When I drive though the state, I definitely creeks that are overflowing, there have been a couple of small dams that look like there’s water running over the tops of those. So we’re definitely seeing some local effects from all this rain and because the ground is so saturated now any more rain that we get can’t soak in so it’s got to run off and that means more flooding is likely.”

Knox says it’s not your imagination, this past month was wetter than usual.

“Yes, across almost the entire state, we are well above normal in rainfall.”

Experts say heavy rain can overwhelm or clog storm drains and ditches with debris. They recommend before the rain, to clear leaves and debris from drainage systems.

For tips on preparing for hazardous weather, or other emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.

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