Sunday, August 3, 2025–6:00 p.m.
-WZQZ Radio-
The City of Summerville has experienced significant flash flooding over the past three days, prompted by an extraordinary deluge of rain that has overwhelmed parts of the city, causing widespread disruptions downtown and along key roadways.
City of Summerville Fire, Police, and Street Departments have been responding to the flooded areas, working to monitor flooded areas and ensure drainage tiles remained open and functional. On Friday evening, additional crews from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) joined the effort, also monitoring flood areas and verifying the functionality of larger drainage tiles.
Officials confirmed that all inspected drainage tiles were functioning and flowing. The primary cause of the extensive flooding was determined to be the exceptionally high levels reached by Town Creek. During these high-level events, Town Creek caused restrictions in the drainage tiles that flow from the south end of Downtown Summerville, along Highway 114, and along Highway 48. Crews observed water backing up from these restricted tiles, which then receded as Town Creek’s water levels lowered.
Additionally, crews from both the City of Summerville and GDOT monitored Town Creek’s height south of Summerville, including crossings into the Ingles parking lot and along and south of Bellah Avenue. They determined that Town Creek itself was open and flowing with no major restrictions noted in those areas. Further inspections of Town Creek south of Jones Street to the Red Oak Road area will be conducted once conditions are safe.
With the possibility of more rain and storms expected to continue this week, the City of Summerville Police and Fire Departments will maintain heightened vigilance. They will continue to monitor incoming rain, any potential backups along Highway 27, 114, and 48, and Town Creek levels, and will issue specific alerts if necessary.
The City of Summerville acknowledged the profound impact that these flooding events have had on local businesses and residents. Officials stated their commitment to monitoring these events closely and are actively working to identify and implement strategies to increase the capacity for water removal from storm drains into Town Creek, especially in anticipation of future heavy, short-duration rainfall events.
