EMA Encouraging Stay Away from Ice on Bodies of Water, Water on Roadways

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain for today, along with much warmer weather that will be melting the snow and ice.

The resulting runoff combined with the rain and frozen ground may result in localized flooding.  This water will be very cold.  The ice on ponds, streams and other standing water may appear solid enough to walk on, but it may have a gap between the water surface below and the ice above. Moving water under ice will cause it to be weak and very dangerous.

Effingham County Emergency Service organizations strongly recommend that people stay off any ice, and to avoid any standing water on roadways or in fields.  Cold water can sap a person's body heat rapidly, and running water can be dangerous at just a few inches deep.

Emergency service personnel ask that you carry a cell phone whenever traveling.  If you get caught in a vehicle in flood waters, remain in the vehicle and wait for help.  Remain dry if possible.  Please don't attempt to drive through flood waters.