BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL) — With more rain expected in Bainbridge, city leaders say the water is likely to rise, causing concern for some of those along the Flint River and providing others with what they say is a great fishing opportunity.
At last check, the river is at about 22 feet and is expected to rise to about 30 feet over the weekend.
Daniel Faircloth isn't too concerned. He said the rising water is just part of living on the river.
This isn't the first time the Faircloth family has had to deal with rising water levels. They have lived on Flint River Heights Road for about 20 years.
"I love the Flint River," said Faircloth. "I've learned to love every part of it, but its a give and take when we have lots of rain."
Over the years, they've learned how important it is important to prepare for potential flooding ahead of time.
"We're getting all the pictures and furniture and stuff out and trying to save as much as we can," Faircloth said. "Because we don't know how bad it will be."
The National Weather Center issued a flood warning for the river on Thursday morning.
"The last time it did this was in 2009," said Dole Welch, Fire Chief for Bainbridge Public Safety Department. "It got to 30.9 and now it's predicated to about 30.7. So that's a lot higher then it was last week."
Deron Johnson, has lived in Bainbridge for 54 years, and the rising water levels are something he likes to use to his advantage.
"When the river rises down here, the fish bite more," Johnson said. "We've been catching large mouth bass, stripped bass. All the fish bite when the water rises."
Bainbridge Public Safety says if you plan to spend any time over the next few days by the water or upstream in your house, you must stay alert to what is going on.
"Keep posted to the radio, the internet, and stuff like that," Welch said. " and look at the precautions being sent out by the city and the county."
Bainbridge Public Safety says if you live near low lying areas, such as the boat basin area or near the nature trail, you may experience flooding.
If you are in an emergency situation, call 911.
