Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue requested that President Barack Obama declare a state of emergency in the state after he issued an executive order doing the same for 17 counties affected by the heavy rains, including Newton County.

The flooding forecast issued by the National Weather Service has increased from minor to major severity for the Yellow River near Conyers below Milstead Road.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday the stage was 21.5 feet and rising. For the Yellow River, major flooding is height over 20.0 feet.

The river is forecast to continue to rise and peak at 21.7 feet this afternoon.

Some self-evacuations have occurred along Brown Bridge Road in Newton County near Newton High School.

Floods are also expected for the Riverside Estates Travel and Mobile Home park. West Dollar and Sycamore streets are also expected to flood. Trailers will need to be moved to higher ground, and according to the National Weather Service, evacuations will be required. It is estimated 10-15 homes will flood.

According to the Newton County Sheriff's Office, no road closures have been reported, and no schools have been closed due to inclement weather. No flood damage has been reported so far in Newton County.

The NWS advises citizens by the river be prepared to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Do not drive cars through flooded areas. If you see flood waters, remember to turn around and do not drown. The warning is expected to be in effect until late Wednesday night.

Please check with weather.com and covnews.com for updates throughout the day.