The Savannah area received less rain than expected from this weekend’s storms, resulting in little flooding. Chatham Emergency Management Agency officials say they saw some flooding at high tide on Highway 80, but less than originally forecast.

The storms largely hit farther north, particularly in the Charleston and Columbia areas. President Obama declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Saturday evening, according to FEMA. On Sunday the South Carolina Department of Transportation shut down a 70-mile stretch of I-95, as well as portions of other interstates around Columbia, due to the flooding.

The Army Corps of Engineers is warning of continued flood risk from high water levels in the Savannah River downstream of Augusta.

The Savannah Philharmonic announced Sunday morning it would hold its annual Picnic in the Park as planned, rather than downsizing the popular event and moving it indoors.

Earlier (posted Friday, Oct. 2):

The latest forecast shows Hurricane Joaquin turning away from the coast, which means no landfall in Georgia. But forecasters are expecting heavy rainfall to bring flooding to the coastal region through the weekend.

A flash flood watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for Chatham, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven Counties. The risk will be especially great during high tides, as the storm system is expected to bring unusually high tides - up to ten feet, according to emergency officials. Flooding will likely become worse Saturday morning.

Highway 80 will close Friday afternoon, likely about the time the rain starts. Officials have not yet determined how long the road will close but say it could last several hours.

The Chatham Emergency Management Agency is reminding drivers to steer clear of flooding. Avoid flood-prone areas if possible, and don't attempt to drive through flooded roadways and intersections.

In addition to flooding, Tybee Island officials say the storm system will likely bring dangerous surf and rip currents. They're warning people to stay out of the water all weekend, particularly around high tide hours. Tybee Ocean Rescue's active season ended Oct. 1, so the beaches will not have lifeguard protection.

Water service could be interrupted by floods, so officials say it's a good idea to stock up on drinking water.

CEMA also recommends preparing your home in case of power outages and flooding that could make it difficult to travel. That means stocking food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration, as well as supplies like batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit. If your home is in a flood-prone area, officials also recommend moving furniture and essential items to upper floors and keeping materials like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. Scroll down for a map to see if your home is in a flood zone.

Several local organizations have canceled or postponed upcoming events ahead of the rainfall. We'll update the list below as we learn more.

-Many high school football games are being postponed until Monday; check with your school for updates.

-Several events in Art Rise Savannah's First Friday Art March have been relocated: "Disposable" exhibition has moved to Starlandia Creative Supply, "STAINability" workshop has moved to Starland Cafe, House of Strut Pop-up Shop has moved to 2434 Bull St. and "Loci Utopia: the De-comodification of Image" has moved to the parking lot south of Starlandia. Starland Arts Park has been canceled.

-The Savannah Wiener Dog Race on River Street has been postponed; new date to be determined.

-Oktoberfest will continue as planned on River Street.

-Savannah Philharmonic officials will decide Sunday whether to hold the annual Picnic in the Park as planned in Forsyth Park.

To find out if your home is in a flood zone, see the map below. For more detailed information, click here, then search your address in the SAGIS map viewer.

Tags: joaquin, hurricane joaquin, flooding, rain, high tides, road closures, cema, Tybee Island