Valdosta, GA- The National Weather Service and the Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency announced Monday that effective May 1st, they will raise the flood stage level on the Withlacoochie River at Skipper Bridge Road from 13 to 15 feet.

Currently, flood warnings are issued when the river crested two feet below a point of impact. The change is being made in hopes of keeping residents more alert when flood waters strike.

The EMA says the change has nothing to do with the recent shutdown and/or failure of the nearby wastewater treatment plant. In addition, officials say changes to the flood stage will have no impact on any changes in the flood plain.