NWS Issues Flood Warnings for Rivers in Georgia, Wisconsin and Tennessee
Flood warnings have been issued for several states in the U.S. following heavy rain over the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rivers reaching or exceeding flood stage include the Coosa River in Georgia, Peshtigo River in Wisconsin and Tennessee River in Tennessee. Overnight some warnings were canceled in places such as Ohio.
Minor flooding occurring in Georgia and Wisconsin
The Coosa River flood will affect areas surrounding Plant Hammond and elsewhere in Floyd County. According to the NWS, the river has already passed flood stage—levels currently at 573 feet, flood stage is 570—resulting in minor flooding along the river upstream and downstream from the gauge behind Plant Hammond. However, at the time of reporting there was no later observation available, according to the weather service's alert.
It is forecast that the minor flooding will continue to expand further into woodlands, fields and pastures, as well as the access road near the intakes. The NWS also says that the boat ramp near and a small portion of an access road near and under the Georgia Highway 100 bridge will be under 3 feet of water. The warning is active until further notice.
The Green Bay NWS has issued a flood warning for Peshtigo River near Porterfield in Marinette County, in Wisconsin. The station is urging caution to anyone planning to walk near riverbanks due to the water levels exceeding the flood stage. According to the alert, at midnight today, the stage was at 12 feet, with the flood stage at the same level, and minor flooding has been occurring. At this level, the NWS advises that boat docks will begin flooding and there will be widespread flooding of wooded lowland. However, there is no forecast available for this area, according to NWS.
Several areas in Tennessee already underwater
In Tennessee, flooding of the Tennessee River at Clifton will affect Decatur, Hardin, Perry and Wayne Counties. The warning for this area has been extended until April 3, 7:55 p.m. local time, according to Nashville NWS. At 2:00 a.m. today, the stage was estimated to be 373.7 feet, just over the flood stage. However, the action stage for this river is 364 feet.
The river in Decatur County, at 376 feet, will see water reach the ground floor of homes in the Russ Farm area and could restrict access due to flooded roads. The weather service also advises that at 375 feet, water will flood the boat launch and low lying portions of the access road to the Forest Crossing area at the Old Highway 114 ferry crossing to Clifton.
At the same water level in Hardin County, access to properties in the Cobb Farm area along Senator Cobb Road and Colonel James Hardin Drive in the Nance Bend area may be restricted due to flooded roads. Slightly lower water levels (374 feet) in Wayne County, specifically the Clifton Park at TVA Slough will cause flooding. The Beech Lake Campground on Beech Lake Road is already completely flooded, according to the alert. In Perry County, roads in the Peters Landing area are already underwater and access could be restricted.
What to do when flooding happens
The NWS advises that people should avoid flooded areas along the river as well as move personal belongings to higher ground.
For those traveling, never drive through flooded roads as the depth of water could be too great to pass—six inches of water could mean a car gets stuck. The NWS advises that people should turn around so they do not risk their lives.
For the latest updates, Americans can stay tuned to the NOAA weather radio or visit the NWS website. For road traffic updates, dial 511 from your cellphone.
