VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – After Hurricane Idalia devastated the Lowndes/Valdosta area in 2023, city and county leaders started strategizing about ways to address flooding concerns. But with the historic impact of Hurricane Helene in September and over 15 inches of rain in a short period of time through early November — infrastructure couldn’t keep up.
“It caused the perfect storm scenario because I’ve lived here for about seven years, I’ve never seen any type of rain like this.” Homeowners in Lowndes County are questioning whether infrastructure changes are needed after multiple storms have cost them time and money– whether it be from flooding or damage,” said Juston Stone, Stones Aquatic Weed and Algae Removal.
“Our systems design is only made for a 100-year flood event and with this past flood it was 1,000-year flood and the April flood was over 500 years so our system is just overflowing,” said Angela Bray, City of Valdosta Storm Water Manager.
Bray said the response to storms has pushed back regular maintenance.
“We will spend days making sure our most critical areas what we call ‘hot spots’ are clean and clear like grates and major roads of debris so this is something we do constantly year round,” Bray said.
The city is directing resources to cleanup, which they say has to be completed before they can address underlying infrastructure issues.
Now, citizens need to separate yard debris by Dec. 1 for contractors to pick up piles in a more efficient manner.
“If someone begins putting debris out on December 15th or whatever, if it’s not in the original photos it’s a good change the contractor will not pick debris up. That’s why we are urging you by December 1, 2024, to have debris by the roadside,” said Larry Ogden, City of Valdosta Public Works Director.
WALB sat down with the Lowndes County manager, who says they are focused on helping those in unincorporated areas address their concerns before the next system.
“I have spent a lot of my time over the last few months meeting citizens at their homes or at their businesses or on a particular road to take a look at their issue and managing that in a case-by-case basis,” Paige Dukes said.
Some of those concerns in the county– are regarding dirt roads. But right now- the county does not have the ability to pave those roads due to a waitlist.
“We certainly still have the day-to-day of almost 20 departments at the county has. We are managing 4 storms and we are also looking at how we can protect our community better moving forward,” Dukes said.
Both the city and county have state-managed and privately managed storm entities but all officials said they are glad to help residents clarify which entity is responsible for certain land.
“Making sure that we go out and check our system and make sure everything is flowing. That we educate citizens, so that they know what they are responsible for,” said Jason Barnes, City of Valdosta Utilities Director.
Leaders are working with state and federal officials to help individuals and businesses recover from the last 13 months of storm turmoil.
FEMA extended the deadline for Georgians to apply for FEMA assistance to Jan. 7, 2025. The extension applies to homeowners and renters in Georgia counties approved for individual assistance due to Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby.
The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply in person by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, using the FEMA App, or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, like a Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, they ask that you give FEMA your number for that service.
FEMA has made disaster recovery centers set up across Southwest Georgia. Here is where you can find them:
- City of Valdosta
- Where: 4434 N Forrest St Extension, Valdosta, GA 31605
- Hours of Operation: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Tift County swimming pool
- Where: 202 Baldwin Dr, Tifton, GA 31794
- Hours of Operation: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Atkinson County EOC parking lot
- Where: 33 Austin Ave W, Pearson, GA 31642
- Hours of Operation: Closed on Sundays & open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- The Atrium
- Where: 114 Peterson Ave N, Douglas, GA 31533
- Hours of Operation: Closed on Sundays & open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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