Rotary Park near Victory Drive closed as Chattahoochee River rises

Published: Dec. 25, 2015 at 4:28 PM EST|Updated: Dec. 26, 2015 at 4:28 AM EST
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(Credit: Matthew Clegg/WTVM)
(Credit: Matthew Clegg/WTVM)

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) – Rotary Park off of Victory Dr. in Columbus is closed due to flooding along the Chattahoochee River.

The boat ramp and dock areas are under water. The flood stage for the Chattahoochee River near Columbus-Phenix City is 27 feet. As of Friday at 10 a.m., the water level was at 35.1 feet.

The excess flooding is a result of the opening of the flood gates at Lake Harding and Lake Oliver to control flooding there. The flooding will probably get worse as West Point will be opening their flood gates again at noon.

Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and City Manager Isiah Hugley were on scene Friday morning assessing the flooding. Tomlinson says, "People should expect it to get worse before it gets better, so no driving through standing water. Keep kids and everyone else away from the water. It may look smooth on the top, but it's moving very rapidly below. At this point we can't get in there to get you."

Citizens are advised to stay away from the River Walk. The owners of Bulldog Bait and Tackle Shop at Rotary Park have been told to close as the flood waters are expected to rise.

Stay with WTVM Storm Team 9 for more on the flooding across the Chattahoochee Valley.

Click here to view our slideshow of flooding in the Chattahoochee Valley, and you can also send your flooding pictures to pix@wtvm.com.

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