Recent flooding causes concern for Effingham Co. residents

EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) - Communities across our area saw heavy rain and flooding throughout the day and Friday evening.

It’s now raising concerns in one neighborhood about how things will look as we get deeper into hurricane season.

We’re nearly three months into hurricane season.

For one couple in the Staffordshire States neighborhood in Effingham County, they’re worried.

“We’re super nervous for any property damage. I don’t know how great it is for standing water to be surrounding the foundation of a house,” said Staffordshire States resident, Josh Rape.

Josh Rape says he and his family have lived there since 2017.

But after tropical storm Debby and hurricane Helene, scenes in his yard sounded the alarm.

“The sewage was backing up, so the county had to send out portapotties for the neighborhood to use,” said Rape.

They’ve started to put out sandbags, hoping the water won’t come too close.

“Last night we had water maybe within maybe an inch from coming inside our house,” said Rape.

He believes it’s a drainage issue in the subdivision.

While they’ve received what help they can from county officials, he wants to see a permanent solution.

“She’s been really response, she’s been great. They told us last night that they sent out people to pump water out of this area in the neighborhood,” said Rape. “I would like, and I don’t know how feasible it is, I would like there to be an actual plan to fix the drainage.”

WTOC reached out to the county commissioner that represents the area about what’s being done long-term.

We are still waiting to hear back.