VIDALIA — The Vidalia Police Department asks drivers to stay away from high water areas in neighborhoods, if at all possible.

The police department issued a statement on social media Thursday morning saying that the town had received a large amount of rain in a short period of time and that the additional rainfall has the town’s drainage system “already at capacity.”

Additional rain is expected through the day Thursday, including possible severe thunderstorms. Chance of rain is at 100 percent. The police department said the area is expected to receive one inch of rain in the area.

“Chief Merrill asks that all residents and visitors of Vidalia, to please drive slow through neighborhoods, especially where water is standing on the roads, as the excess water goes into carports, then in houses,” the statement said. “While the rainwater is in excess if you do not have a reason to be in the neighborhoods, stay away.”

Police department officials ask drivers to seek alternate routes around high water areas.