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Savannah area residents, especially those on Tybee Island, may need to do some pre-planning for the weekend as the southeast coast anticipates potential flooding due to high tide levels.

A combination of high tides and strong winds may cause what weather forecasters are calling a "king tide" that could lead to higher risks of flooding in some parts of Chatham County, including Hwy 80, the only corridor connecting Tybee Island to the mainland.

According to Tybee's city manager Shawn Gillen, drivers saw water overflowing onto Hwy 80 Friday morning.

When tide levels reach 10 to 10.5 feet, water from the Savannah River could spill over the shoulder and into the road, said Gillen.

The current forecasted high tide levels are:

A crest of 10.9 feet could "lead to significant coastal flooding" and "any rainfall during high tide periods could exacerbate flooding concerns," according to Tybee's flood alert from Thursday to Saturday.

The National Weather Service has extended the coastal flood warning until Sunday. Heavy rain is expected for the area for most of Saturday.

More:Tropical Storm Elsa to test the first of a network of rainfall gauges

The island's and Chatham County's public safety departments will be monitoring the roads on the ground during the morning tide cycles until the coast is clear, said Gillen.

Residents should check their email and texts for notifications on road closures and monitor Tybee's city, fire, lifeguard and police websites for updates.

Chatham Emergency Management Services are also providing flooding advisories on their Twitter page.

Gillen points out that, since the low lying sections of Hwy 80 have been raised in 2018, there hasn't been an instance of significant flooding yet. Prior to that, the road had to be shut down several times a year.

"We're going to be monitoring it from our end and Chatham County will be monitoring it from their end in case it gets to where there's water in the road and we have to shut it down," said Gillen, "All there is to do is wait and, in an hour or two, the water's gone and off we go."

Other areas that may see some flooding include roadways on Wilmington Island, Thunderbolt and Burnside Island.

Though Tybee hasn't experienced a tide level warning this high since around 2015, tides have been steadily rising for decades.

A study from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that the low-lying barrier island has experienced 10 inches of sea-level rice since 1935.

Three of the top ten highest tides ever recorded occurred in 2015. All told, the highway experienced approximately 23 tidal flooding events that year, according to the NOAA.

"Those events cut it off from the mainland, proving to not only be a safety and evacuation concern, but an economic one, as well," said the 2016 NOAA report.

Tybee will be employing their regular safety protocols for emergency evacuations in the event of a medical emergency.

"We have various other avenues for getting medical emergencies off the island, we have a marine rescue squad and things like that for medical evacuations if we need that," said Gillen.

As a result of sea-level rise, many Tybee residents have had to elevate their homes to avoid flooding and ensuing water damage.

Nuisance flooding during rain and high tide have increased over the years, which one resident documented Friday morning on the website MyCoast.

MyCoast crowdsources evidence of storm damage and other markers of climate change affecting the coast. Additional photos documenting this weekends king tide can be found on mycoast.org.

At the same time, some of the beach town's residents have gotten used to the affair, taking the news in stride.

"As far as the king tides go...business as usual," said Tybee resident Juli Zopf.

Zopf said she doesn't plan on leaving the island as this weekend coincides with Savannah's annual Rock 'n' Roll marathon, "unless the weather turns severe."

Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.

Tybee Road is frequently the scene of traffic bottlenecks - just not in January, when weather is inhospitable to beach-going sunbathers.

The section of U.S. 80 near the Bull River bridge saw a rare winter logjam Monday as the Georgia Department of Transportation began a month-long project to perform preliminary construction related to replacing the Bull River and Lazaretto Creek bridges.

The work will be performed day and night, which came as a surprise to several Tybee commuters who expressed frustration with slow-going traffic at the Bull River Bridge on Monday morning. Crews installed traffic signals overnight on Sunday to reduce the bridge to one lane, which will allow one direction of traffic at a time while reserving the other lane for the bridge work.

According to a GDOT spokesperson, engineers are studying the bridge's substructure and could not utilize a barge because much of the bridge spans marshland. GDOT is starting with the Bull River bridge and will perform the same work at Lazaretto Creek later this month.

"This is necessary work," said GDOT's Jill Nagel. "We’re getting preliminary pre-construction done."

More on Tybee Road improvements:Plans to replace Tybee Island's Lazaretto Creek Bridge and Bull River Bridge gain traction

GDOT announced plans to replace the bridges in early 2022 after decades of lobbying by local government officials and residents. The current bridges were built in the 1960s and limit traffic to two lanes, one in each direction. The new bridges will be wide enough to accommodate a breakdown lane as well as a bicycle and pedestrian lane, which can be used for emergency vehicles.

The new bridges are part of a $100 million project to widen U.S. 80 between the Johnny Mercer Boulevard intersection, located about a quarter-mile west of Bull River Bridge, and just past the Lazaretto Creek Bridge on Tybee Island.

The preliminary work is expected to continue through Feb. 16. The schedule calls for the both bridges to be fully open to traffic between Jan. 19 and Jan. 22 as well as between Feb. 3 through Feb. 6.

For Do Savannah

There's an old saying: "A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office."

If you’re looking to get outdoors and toss a line, Savannah and the surrounding region offers no shortage of great places to play hooky.

Whether you enjoy chasing your catch by boat or want to pull out a chair on a pier and take in the view, there are plenty of fun and scenic places throughout the Lowcountry to satisfy any fishing bug.

Just about any time of year, grouper and snapper are up for grabs in the coastal waters. While other fish such as sea bass, sheepshead, cobia, mahi mahi, mackerel, shark, flounder, redfish, and sea trout can be caught at seasonally as they move through the region.

From river and beach piers, to charter boats that hug the coast or travel out deep, here are some popular places and guides to catch a few fresh fish.

Just remember, that you'll need a Georgia fishing license to get started, which you can purchase online.

Frank O. Downing Fishing Pier

Cross the Moon River in style and set up shop at the Frank O. Downing Pier, which features excellent fishing, marsh views, and free parking on either side of the bridge.

The pier is located off the Diamond Causeway, which leads to Skidaway Island, and features a scenic panorama of the wide marshland, with epic sunsets and plenty of fish to keep you busy. For more information, visit the Chatham County parks and recreations page.

Bull River Marina

Located on Wilmington Island, Bull River Marina offers fishing, boat tours, and boat charters. They even tout the frequent dolphin sightings that guests experience on their boat rides.

And if you're just in it for a good time, you can book a Dafuskie Island Tour to take a look across the "wide water" to see the rich history of South Carolina's historic island up close. Visit bullrivermarina.com or call (912) 897-7300.

Southern Saltwater Charters

This full-service charter experience is guided by Captain Josiah Riffle, a USCG Certified Charter Captain with years of experience fishing local waters for redfish, trout, flounder, tripletail, sheepshead, sharks, and more.

Located minutes from downtown Savannah on Wilmington Island, Southern Saltwater Charters takes tourists and locals alike out for a fun day on the water and backwater tours. Visit southernsaltwatercharters.com or call (912) 661-4189.

Reel Em' N

Tybee Island is known for excellent year-round fishing conditions with its fair share of fishing piers, wade fishing spots, and deep-water charters. Reel Em’ N Deep Sea Fishing Charters is a deep-water charter service helmed by Captain Derek Brown who has fished the region for nearly two decades.

Each of Reel Em' N's vessels can accommodate up to 20 guests, for fishing or fun. Visit reelemn.com or call (912) 897-4990.

Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion

For those who want to stay on land while they cast into the water, the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion is a popular spot for local and out of town fishers.

Built in 1891, the pier is located just off U.S. 80 at the end of Tybrisa Street, and is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with free admission. The pavilion also features a snack bar, picnic tables, and public restrooms.

It's a great place to try your luck with a fishing pole, or just take in a beautiful sunset over the Atlantic.

Lazaretto Creek Fishing Pier

Located under the U.S. Highway 80 bridge that leads into Tybee Island, Lazaretto Creek Fishing Pier is a quaint park with a broad fishing pier facing CoCo's Sunset Grille, Savannah Jetski rentals, and North Island Surf and Kayak.

You can throw in a line and wait for a bite, as you wave to visitors leaving on dolphin tours or renting a kayak for a day to paddle around the island. There's also a boat ramp if you want to launch your own vessel to fish.

And when you're done, there's plenty of dining options available just over the bridge and minutes away on Tybee Island. Visit nps.gov/places/lcbr.htm.

Fort McAllister State Park

Overlooking the Ogeechee River, historic Fort McAllister offers more than its Civil War museum and earthwork fortifications. It also features two great fishing spots, one open to the public, another reserved just for campers at the state park. The park's pier is more than 150 feet long overlooking the river, with picnic pavilions, a playground for the kids, and even a boat ramp nearby.

Hang out on the pier and cast a line, or put a boat in and cruise the historic Ogeechee River.

Cost is $5 parking for the day, with admission ranging $5 to $9. The park open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with shorter hours for the historic site. Visit gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister or call (912) 727-2339.

Kings Ferry

Located further up the Ogeechee River from Fort McAllister, is Kings Ferry boat ramp and pier minutes from Georgetown. The park features a boat ramp, fishing pier, pavilions and tables, and a playground for the kids.

Post up on the pier to try your luck in the bustling Ogeechee River, and stay for the stunning river sunsets. And when you're done, Love's Seafood is right nearby, a favorite spot for locals to grab a bite of fresh Lowcountry seafood.

While Savannah has earned nationwide acclaim for its gorgeous architecture and thriving food and drink scene, the Georgian city is sorely lacking one particularly charming feature—namely, a beach. Fortunately, the solution for any visitors craving sand and sun can be found just thirty minutes to the east on idyllic Tybee Island, a truly underrated gem of the Georgia coast. Equipped with over three miles of sandy shoreline, Savannah and Tybee go hand in hand for any visitors hoping to craft a truly unforgettable journey across Chatham County.

Tybee is home to a wealth of cozy inns and guest houses, but few properties can compare to DeSoto Beach Hotel, a historic venue perched along the northernmost reaches of Butler Avenue. Founded in 1939, DeSoto first served as a stomping ground for the nation’s wealthiest citizens, ultimately developing into a prominent local hangout spot renowned for its spirited beach parties. Today, the hotel boasts suites adorned with private balconies, an oceanfront game room, a heated pool, and—perhaps most importantly—direct access to the shore. Billing themselves as “Tybee’s Only Beachfront Hotel”, guests at DeSoto are just a short two-minute walk from the idyllic coastal beauty that the island is renowned for.

After a long day of exploring the shores, be sure to unwind with a drink in hand at one of Tybee’s lively bars or restaurants. A paradise for seafood aficionados, the isle is best known for its abundance of marine life served grilled, fried, or blackened. For those staying by Tybee Beach Pier, Sting Ray’s Seafood is the ideal venue for conch fritters, shrimp tacos, and po’ boys, while nearby Pier 16 is perfect for outdoor dining, serving seafood, sandwiches, and an extensive selection of wine and cocktails on their rooftop deck. Any visitors wishing to explore the more northern reaches of Tybee can treat themselves to craft brews and an abundance of seafood dishes at Salt Island Fish and Beer, or venture west to The Crab Shack, a long-standing local favorite perched on the edge of Chimney Creek.

Those wishing to embark on a lengthy bar crawl should look no further than Tybrisa Street, a short avenue lined with a multitude of rustic pubs. If it’s game night, be sure to head to Tybee Time Sports Bar to watch your favorite players with a tasty frozen daiquiri in hand, while neighboring Benny’s Tybee Tavern is a popular venue for darts and karaoke paired with draft beer. Of course, no visit to the island is complete without a stop at Doc’s Bar, a local favorite and fixture of downtown Tybee since 1948.

While it’s easy to get swept up in Tybee’s food and drink scene, be sure to check out some of the island’s fascinating local attractions during your vacation as well. History buffs take note—Tybee’s secluded North Beach is home to the oldest and tallest lighthouse in all of Georgia, standing at a height of 145 feet. After taking in the spectacular views from the top, be sure to head next door to Fort Screven, a late 1800s-era bastion that contains the Tybee Island Museum. If you’d like to spend time exploring Tybee’s neighboring islands, Sundial Charter Tours offers boating excursions to both Little Tybee Island and Wassaw Island, two destinations renowned for their pristine natural beauty and wide array of native coastal Georgian species.

Whether you’re hoping to sunbathe by the water’s edge, hunt for prehistoric shark fossils, or eat your weight in shellfish, Tybee Island offers a plethora of activities suited towards every possible type of visitor. After days spent basking in the sights and sounds of Savannah, be sure to reserve some time to kick back and enjoy the quiet ebb and flow of the waves lapping against Tybee’s eastern coast. While there’s no shortage of spectacular destinations to be found all across Georgia, the natural beauty and rustic charm of Tybee Island is tough to beat.

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - The beaches have been catching bands of rain Monday morning and afternoon.

As far as rain, the heaviest we’ve seen out here Monday came around 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. That round had some thunder and lightning, basically what you’d see during a typical pop-up thunderstorm. The sun has basically been behind the clouds all day, with some light drizzle at times too.

That definitely didn’t keep folks from coming out to the beach though, especially surfers looking to take advantage of some bigger than usual waves. Surf conditions also prompted lifeguards to put out the yellow flags, letting folks know there are strong currents as well.

WTOC caught up with one family visiting from the Midwest this week who said this was their first time seeing any kind of effects of a tropical system.

“Right now it looks pretty calm, just a little bit of rain, right? Planning to hang out on Tybee Island today and just enjoy lunch and hang with the family. But yeah, we’ll see what it turns into.” “We brought the girls over about an hour ago to splash in the water before it started. And now we’re going to just hang back and see what unfolds,” said Tony Dorto who is visiting the Savannah area with family.

WTOC asked one beachcomber earlier to see if the rougher surf churned anything valuable up.

“I prefer to come out on a calm day, typically after the storm. So it’s a little hard to detect in the water, with it being rough like this. I’ve got a quarter and a dime…if I do that about 40 more times then I can pay for my parking,” said Bruce O’Donnell.

So not as successful as he would’ve liked, but still a good attitude about it.

The City of Tybee has been in close communication with Chatham Emergency Management Agency since learning about Monday’s possible tropical development. WTOC spoke with Tybee’s city manager Monday morning, who says even before the affects of this system pass, they’re already keeping a close eye on other storm development in the Atlantic.

“We’re looking at severe thunderstorm type weather hitting us here in a couple hours. So we’re also tracking another system that’s out in the Atlantic that’s tracking through the Bahamas in that area. That always keeps us concerned, but it’s a little early in the season. We hope it just dissipates,” said Gillen.

That mindset of always watching what’s next, that lasts all of hurricane season for these city leaders.

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