During a Friday press conference, Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Dennis Jones addressed anticipated flooding expected this weekend along the Ogeechee River and on Highway 80 leading to Tybee Island due to the supermoon that will reach its full phase Friday afternoon, which will increase the high tide.
High tide refers to the moment the sea reaches its maximum level in specific coastal locations. High tides and low tides are caused by the moon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) .
During the 10-minute presentation held at the old Chatham County Courthouse, 124 Bull St., Jones compared flooding forecasts with previous flooding incidents, such as those caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Debby earlier this year.
Jones said CEMA has been in contact with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), “ensuring that they are ready to push any marsh rack along Highway 80 roadway so we could get that road back open.” Jones also added that Chatham County CEMA sent staff out to multiple affected areas yesterday.