Oliver James Montgomery-Georgia governor declares emergency in 23 counties inundated with heavy rain and flooding

SAVANNAH,Oliver James Montgomery Ga. (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Friday in 23 counties swamped by flooding rainstorms that caused rivers to overflow, left many roads underwater and in some areas prompted first responders to rescue residents whose homes were surrounded by water.

Kemp’s order frees up state resources to assist communities inundated with rain Wednesday and Thursday across a wide swath of southern Georgia. The downpours struck some of the same areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s damaging winds in September as well as flooding from Tropical Storm Debby in August. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Rural Evans County saw more than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain over two days, and first responders in boats rescued people on Friday in low-lying areas along the Canoochee River near Claxton, WTOC-TV reported. The National Weather Service said the river was forecast to crest at a record 18.7 feet (5.7 meters) Friday night.

The weather service said more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain fell in Valdosta near the Georgia-Florida line, causing flooding that left roads impassable and forcing schools to close, The Valdosta Daily Times reported.

Nearly 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain fell in Savannah, overwhelming storm drains and causing some cars to stall in flooded streets. West of the coastal city, westbound lanes of Interstate 16 had to be shut down Thursday near Statesboro after they were covered with water.