ECHOLS COUNTY — Seventeen homes in Echols County sustained major damage in during the recent flooding, according to the Echols County Sheriff’s Office. This includes two on Valentine Road, three on Carroll Road, nine on Griner Road and one on White Coker Road.

The flood warning affecting Echols County continues for the Alapaha River at Statenville until 8 a.m. today, or until the warning is canceled, according to the National Weather Service. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

Residents and those with interests along the river are being advised to monitor the latest statements and forecasts for any updates. Flood stage is 24 feet and the stage at 9:45 a.m. Monday was 24.4 feet. Reports forecast that the river will fall below flood stage sometime after midnight today.

Residents of Echols County and other affected areas are advised to follow standard precautions, such as protecting threatened property, avoiding recreational activities around high or fast flowing rivers, keeping children away from flooded areas, and not driving vehicles through flooded areas.

Flood waters in Lowndes County have receded but traces remain. Several roads and bridges are still closed because of damage or water levels that remain high in places. Ousley Road from Rowland Lane to Knights Ferry remains closed, said Mike Fletcher, Lowndes County engineer.

Lowndes County bridges that remain closed are the bridge on Skipper Bridge Road between Reed Road and McMillan Road and the bridge on Morven Road at the Brooks County line. The bridges are closed either because they sustained damage or have yet to be reinspected, Fletcher said.

Valdosta City Engineer Von Shipman said all Valdosta city roads have reopened.