The Big Rains Move In Today; Some Safety Tips

Several inches of rainfall is expected from later today through Saturday night in our area.

A Flood Watch is to begin Friday afternoon, when the heaviest rainfall is scheduled to arrive.

Here's the latest outlook from the National Weather Service:

Effingham County Emergency Management Agency Emergency Manager Pamela Jacobs and Effingham County Dive Rescue Team Commander Terry Trueblood are urging citizens to stay alert to road conditions and use extreme caution while driving, and to remain alert to weather warnings.

You are urged to avoid flooded roadways, and to not drive around or move barricades from roadways, but to instead find an alternate route. A reminder that water on roadways may be much deeper than it appears. Most vehicles will become difficult to control in as little as six inches of water. 12-18 inches of water may cause a car to float and be carried away in a matter of seconds. 

Residents are also reminded to check their sump pumps, and take necessary measures to prepare homes and buildings, and make sure pets and livestock have access to shelter from heavy rains, flooding and severe weather.