ST. MARYS, Ga. -- As the St. Marys River rose to 23.2 feet, double its flood stage of 12 feet, Georgia Department of Natural Resources officers assisted residents and law enforcement agencies affected by these rushing waters after Tropical Storm Debby.

Several South Georgia residents were stranded as GA 185 and GA 121 were covered by water. Cpl. Jason Shipes and Sgt. Patrick Dupree were able to reach 20 flooded homes by using jon boats, according to a release from the DNR.

Other rangers delivered bottled water to residents who refused to leave their homes. Cpl. Shipes also helped a man who was trying to swim to his boat and could not reach it.

Charlton County Sheriff Dobie Connor requested the DNR's assistance in case more residents chose to leave their homes.

The DNR urges residents to use extreme caution until flood waters recede.

First Coast News