The Satilla River is creeping toward flood stage at Atkinson in Brantley County, and local river roads could soon be in the crosshairs. A Flood Warning from the National Weather Service is in effect, with forecasters expecting the river to reach the 13.0 foot flood stage by Wednesday evening. At that level, Warners Landing, Louis Landing and secondary roads near the KOA campgrounds are expected to take on water, and River Rock Road could be overtopped if the river pushes to about 14.0 feet. Anyone living, working or playing along this stretch of the Satilla is urged to steer clear of low-lying roads and keep a close eye on changing conditions.
What the warning says
The Flood Warning appears on the National Weather Service AHPS hydrology monitor, which shows the Satilla River at Atkinson is forecast to reach roughly 13.0 feet by Wednesday evening. The warning remains in effect until canceled, according to NWS Jacksonville. The agency characterizes the situation as minor flooding but spells out specific local impacts at different river stages. Officials are telling people with interests along the river to monitor forecasts and be ready to take precautions to protect life and property if the river rises as projected.
Current readings and local impacts
According to The Georgia Sun, the Atkinson gauge stood at 8.5 feet as of 8:45 p.m. Sunday, about 4.5 feet below flood stage. That report notes the forecast allows for additional rises beyond 13.0 feet and breaks down which landings and access points see flooding at each stage, along with links to river-level pages for real-time checks.
How to stay updated
Real-time river stages and forecast hydrographs are available from the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring page for the Satilla River at Atkinson as well as on the NWS AHPS river pages. The USGS station provides up to the minute gage heights for the Atkinson site, which can be accessed through the USGS along with the NWS hydrology monitor for forecast updates. And remember, never drive into flood water, turn around, do not drown.
