Flood Warning Issued for Oconee River Affecting Washington, Johnson, and Wilkinson Counties

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City GA has issued a Flood Warning (NWS alert code FLW) for the Oconee River near Oconee. This alert indicates that minor flooding is forecast for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following counties in Georgia:

• Washington County
• Johnson County
• Wilkinson County

The primary focus of the alert is the Oconee River near Oconee.

What You Should Do

Residents and motorists are urged to follow the safety mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads. The National Weather Service reminds the public that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Residents should avoid flooded areas and can find additional information at weather.gov/atlanta.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is anticipated as the river rises.

• Current Stage: As of 9:00 PM EST on Saturday, the river stage was 15.1 feet.
• Flood Stage: The flood stage is 17.0 feet.
• Forecast: The river is expected to rise above flood stage late tonight and reach a crest of 19.3 feet early Monday morning.
• Impacts: At 19.0 feet, water is expected to flood the dirt parking lot area near the Old Balls Ferry Road boat ramp, located upstream and on the right bank from the Georgia Highway 57 bridge. Minor flooding will also spread into the surrounding woodlands.

Timeline

The Flood Warning is effective from late tonight, March 1, through 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday, March 3. The river is expected to fall below flood stage by Tuesday afternoon.