Statesboro and Bulloch County dodged a bullet over the weekend, escaping damage from tornadoes that ripped across South Georgia on Saturday and Sunday, but several roads were closed due to heavy rains.
Fifteen people were killed in the state as a result of severe weekend weather, said Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn.
"Most of the damages were in South Georgia, and they had some in Screven County," he said.
Twisters devastated homes in several areas, including Adel and Albany. Gov. Nathan Deal, who was contacted by President Donald Trump to offer his condolences and promise of assistance, declared a state of emergency in seven counties: Atkinson, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Lowndes and Thomas.
Wynn said roads closed in Bulloch due to heavy rain included Alex Knight, Clifton and several others in the Stilson-Leefield area. Water was over the road on Jim Waters and Burkhalter as well. Rainfall reports varied from 3-6 inches across the area, he said.
"We got a lot of rain at one time, several times," Wynn said.
He said national efforts are being organized to help victims of the tornadoes, and local residents are making plans to assist in other ways, he said.
The American Red Cross is supporting first responders and providing food and shelter to those in need, the organization told the Atlanta-based NBC affiliate WXIA-TV. It's accepting donations on its website, and you can also donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Samaritan's Purse, Franklin Graham's charitable group, has deployed disaster relief workers and supplies to Mississippi, including the Hattiesburg area. The group is currently accepting donations online.
The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has lists of charities and partners for all states affected by the storms. The Georgia website, for example, lists more than 30 experienced disaster relief organizations through which it recommends donating. These include Adventist Community Services, All Things New Ministry, Georgia Baptist Relief, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Rebuilding Hope, the Salvation Army-Georgia Division and the Humane Association of Georgia.
Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.