State Climatologist David Stooksbury warns any rains we get that are associated with tropical storms will only serve to worsen the problem.
Stooksbury says soil moisture south and east of a Columbus to Carrollton to Blairsville line, which includes Gainesville and most of northeast Georgia, is extremely high increasing the chances of flooding and trees falling because of the wet, loose soil around their roots. The same is true, he says, of that part of the state north and west of a Valdosta to Macon to Lincolnton line.
He says soil moisture is at the 99th percentile in these areas, meaning that 99 out of 100 years, "we would expect soils to be drier than they are now."
"Heavy rain can lead to rapid flooding as there is minimal storage capacity left in the soils, rivers, and reservoirs," Stooksbury said. "A special concern is the impacts from a widespread rain event associated with tropical weather. Localized flooding associated with individual thunderstorm complexes is also more likely this summer."
He added that the elevated flood risk is expected to remain in the affected regions for the foreseeable future.
"Another problem associated with wet soils is falling trees. Trees with
poor root development caused by disease, damage, or poor growth are more
likely to fall. Trees with rotten trunks and limbs are also more likely
to cause damage."
But, Stooksbury says since it is very difficult to determine the health of a tree's roots, trunk, and branches by simple inspection, it would be a good idea to get a certified arborist to inspect any trees you may be concerned about.
Rainfall in Gainesville for August stood at 5.35 inches early Friday. In July, 6.65 inches were recorded and in June, 8.57. That's a total of 20.57 inches, so far, for the three traditional summer months.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/8/128666