PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (GA NC SC) USGS SAWSC response to major storm/rainfall event January 8-9, 2024

Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:34:06 EST

Summary: A large storm system has caused minor to moderate flooding across parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina within the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC).

A strong storm system moved across the three-state region of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Caroling dropping from 1 to 4+ inches, with the higher totals occurring across western river basins of the 3 states.

Following previous recent storm events, this latest storm system has raised streamflow levels at some of the USGS streamgages into the minor to moderate flood stages, as defined by the NOAA Southeast River Forecast Center.

High winds from the storm system resulted in downed trees and fairly widespread power outages in some areas, causing some school systems to close for Tuesday or release students earlier than normal.

USGS crews from all 9 fields offices within the USGS SAWSC have dispatched (or will be dispatching) crews to collect high-flow measurements, with some of the work related to filling in the gaps of the stage/discharge ratings. The focus today is the western and central streamgages where peaks have occurred and streams. The focus the next few days will be the larger rivers in the eastern parts of the states that slowly rise and stay high for several days.

As of this notification, only 1 streamgage is known to have been lost due to the flooding - 02217475-Middle Oconee River near Arcade (north and east of Atlanta metro area).

Currently, indirect measurements may need to be completed at 3 potential sites (one each in NC and SC plus the above site in GA that was lost during flooding).

All field personnel are safe and accounted for at this time.

No unmet needs have been identified by any of the 9 field offices.