The National Weather Service out of Peachtree City issued a flash flood watch for portions of north and central Georgia, including Rockdale and Newton counties, in effect until Wednesday morning.

"Deep tropical moisture is expected to spread into north and central Georgia beginning late tonight and continue through Tuesday as the remnants of Hurricane Ida move east across the Florida panhandle. Widespread heavy rain of 3 to 5 inches can be expected over much of north and central Georgia by Tuesday night."

Local Emergency Management Services representatives had the following advice for residents:

- Monitor television, radio, the Internet, and NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates and Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages.
- Monitor water levels in your area.
- Review your family's emergency plan.
- Be prepared with water, food, and medications for emergencies.
Don't forget to have food and water for your pets.
- Be careful when driving, and never drive through flooded areas (turn around). Avoid areas already flooding, especially if the water is fast flowing. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Road beds may be washed out due to the flooding. Never try to cross flooded roadways.
- Be aware of downed power lines or other utility disruptions.
- Know what to listen for. A Flood Watch or a Flash Flood Watch means that conditions have been detected that could lead to flooding of a certain area. A Flood Warning or a Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent and you should take action immediately.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding such as canyons, dips, low spots, and washes.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

Check back to www.rockdalenews.com for more updates.