Low Savannah River Levels Caused by Unexpected Lightning Strike
AUGUSTA, GA — Despite recent bouts of rain, local water bodies such as the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River are still recuperating from a significant drop in water levels. Having dipped dramatically through Sunday into Monday, both the residents and the authorities are keen to understand the reason behind this fluctuation and how long its impact will linger. The water level, which sat at 103 feet at its latest reading, impacts various aspects of local life and business.
Businesses Impacted by Low Water Levels
Local entrepreneur Greg LaBelle, owner of Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals, relayed the impact of these unusually low water levels on his venture. “I’ve lived in the area for 11 years and had the business for four and half years and have never seen the river as low as it was,” said LaBelle. With the river bed exposed as the water level dwindled, LaBelle’s business faced unexpected challenges. “When the water level goes down, and the river bed is exposed, the smell is awful. It’s so bad,” LaBelle added.
Aside from the odorous inconvenience, the low water levels also resulted in startling encounters with the local fauna. “On a normal day when we go out, we maybe see one maybe two alligators, and yesterday there were 13,” he reported.
Lightning Strike Impacts Water Level
Wes Byne from Augusta Utilities identified the cause of this drastic change in water levels. “During an event the other night, we had a lightning strike on some power lines, which caused them to lose power to one of the control motors, which drove one of the arms that was left out of the water. As a result, the pools started to drain in an uncontrolled fashion,” he explained.
Although this was a peculiar incident, the United States Army Corp of Engineers was quick to respond, releasing more water to counteract the drain. However, concerns linger among local business owners that such a situation could recur.
“It’s kind of scary knowing someone has that much control over what my business is based on,” expressed LaBelle, reflecting on the precarious balance between natural occurrences and human intervention.
To keep a track of the daily fluctuations in water levels, local inhabitants can navigate to the official tracking website. This measure is a tangible reassurance amidst the uncertain showers and unpredictable consequences of the changing ecosystem.
