Low areas flood quickly. This area of Georgia and most of the Panhandle will no longer have to worry about the drought that has plagued this part of Georgia, Florida and Alabama for the past two years.

Killer Tropical Storm Fay came into Southwest Georgia out of Florida with high winds and tons of rain. Tallahassee has reported damaging winds at just under hurricane winds and rains over 20 inches causing heavy flooding. The rains and heavy winds started in Miller County Thursday, August 22. First came a light rain. The strong winds of up to 35-40 m.p.h. followed. According to Cory Thomas, Colquitt public information officer, there was 13.50 inches of rain through 7:30 p.m. Sunday, August 24. There were 50 reports of downed trees and power lines down. Over 2000 residents in Miller County were without power, some for extended lengths of time. A shelter was opened Saturday night at the Miller County High School, but it was not used. Sources noted that as late as Monday, August 25, over 100 Miller County residents were still without power.

Just a few days prior, all of this was dry land. Spring Creek had quit running. Guess you could say, something good comes out of everything. State Route 91 and a number of county roads were closed due to flooding. Schools closed Monday, August 25, in Miller, Decatur and Seminole counties as well as Bainbridge College due to power lines down and flooded roads.

Over 8000 homes were also without power as the storm went through in Decatur, Seminole and Early counties.

Three Notch EMC representative. Carlton Thomas, thanked their customers for their patience.

In this area, residents reported from eight to as much as over 17 inches of rain had fallen in the southeastern corner of the county. There was considerable property and crop damage in some areas.

Some weather prognosticators stated that Tropical Storm Fay may not be finished with us since it is still in the area and could turn around and pour more rain on this area on Thursday and Friday.

Chief Emergency Management officer, Debbie Henry, stated that the different agencies worked well in this emergency. She urged the more than 700 households in Miller County to sign up for the "Code Red" service that Miller County offers to call residents when emergencies occur. This service can save lives. Those who are not signed up can do so by calling the Colquitt/Miller County Chamber of Commerce or the office of County Commissioners. County Commissioners office.

This was the scene Monday morning with water still rising. It is impossible to thank everyone involved, but these agencies worked throughout the weekend above and beyond the call of duty and job to make this storm easier to get through. They were Colquitt/Miller Fire/ EMS, Colquitt Police Department, Miller County Sheriff's Department, 911 personnel, Miller County EMS, Colquitt Public Works, Miller County Road Department, Georgia DOT and the Three Notch linemen. For the others who helped those affected by the storm, a thank you is extended. A special thank you goes to the Miller County Jail inmates and personnel who worked to help those residents in need as well as to clear the roads when the machines couldn't do the job.

The National Weather notified Miller County that a tornado warming was in effect until 10:30 p.m. Monday night. Twisters were sighted in the Mayhaw area Monday night. Trees and heavy rains with up to six inches in about two hours. National weather stated that the worst part of the storm had gone over into Early County at 10:30 p.m. The Miller County Sheriff's Department and the Colquitt Fire/EMS were called into the Mayhaw area to assist with calls during the storm. It was reported that multiple trees were downed as well as some damage to homes and shelters. Irrigation systems were overturned, and several roads in the area were covered with water. Again, power was out for a time when trees caused the power outage.

It's bad when bad things happen, but no better place to be with those who help, paid, and unpaid.

The ground is wet and no place for more water to go. Spring Creek is full of sand and logs that won't allow the heavy rains to drain where there was once depth in the creek basin.

Hurricaine Gustav is headed for the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.