The National Weather Service forecast office and the Southeast River Forecast Center collocated in Peachtree City, Georgia will now provide flood only river stage forecasts for the Yellow River near Lithonia, Georgia.

Beginning May 19, the new service will help protect the lives and property of people living along the river near Lithonia. Flood stage at this location is set at 13 feet. The river gage site is owned and operated by the U. S. Geological Survey and is funded in cooperation with Rockdale County, Georgia.

“The addition of Lithonia to our river forecast responsibilities will provide enhanced flood warning services for residents along the Yellow River,” said Keith Stellman, meteorologist-in-charge of the weather forecast office.

The Peachtree City forecast office provides all weather services for 96 counties in north and central Georgia. The office collects meteorological data; prepares and disseminates weather forecasts, river and flood forecasts and warnings; and issues severe weather watches and warnings to the public.

The Southeast River Forecast Center (SERFC) prepares river stage forecasts for more than 260 locations along major rivers in the southeast portion of the United States. Covering approximately 270,000 square miles, the center’s area of responsibility includes north and central Georgia. These forecasts are then forwarded to National Weather Service forecast offices throughout its service area for dissemination to the public.

“This new forecast service near Lithonia is invaluable,” said Reggina Cabrera, hydrologist-in-charge of the SERFC. “The river stage forecasts help us meet the National Weather Service mission of protecting life and property for the citizens in the Lithonia area.”

NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Working with partners, NOAA’s National Weather Service is building a Weather-Ready Nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. Visit us at weather.gov and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.