Gov. Brian Kemp extends State of Emergency in response to Tropical Storm Debby cleanup

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp extended on Wednesday the State of Emergency initially ordered on Aug. 3 to continue providing relief for flooded areas in Georgia and along its coast caused by Tropical Storm Debby.

The State of Emergency, which was set to end on Thursday, was extended through Aug. 20 to allow for the Georgia National Guard to continue in assisting in recovery efforts.

More than 13 inches of rain fell in parts of eastern Georgia , which caused flooding along the Ogeechee river. Many communities were impacted and roads closed as the river continued to swell days after Debby moved offshore and up the eastern seaboard.

Savannah remains in recovery more than a week after the historic event.

Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X @RyneDennis and email at rdennis@onlineathens.com .

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Gov. Brian Kemp extends State of Emergency in response to Tropical Storm Debby cleanup