BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Saturday, Jan. 11, 2019’s severe weather has resulted in widespread power outages for Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) customers, over 13,000 total and 4,022 in Union County.

Outages include the red light at Hwy. 76/515 and Hwy. 19. As of 7:20 p.m., BRMEMC crews are working to fix the red light. Also, law enforcement has closed part of Hwy. 76 W from Meeks Park to Airport Industrial Road, and they are rerouting traffic onto the Old Blue Ridge Hwy. Power lines are down in the area. Anyone out tonight should try to avoid the area at this time and be safe on the roads.

McDonalds, Nantahala Village Apartments, BP, and Shell gas stations are out of power, but the Circle K, across from McDonalds, does have power.

In BRMEMC area over 13,000 have been affected: 3,355 customers in Cherokee County, NC, 3,056 in Clay County, NC, 1,215 in Fannin County, Ga 1,567 in Towns, County, Ga and 4,022 in Union County. Ga.

A high wind warning is in effect for the area until 10 p.m.

From the National Weather Service:

“south winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph. Locally higher gusts possible. * where…portions of north central, northeast and northwest Georgia. * when…until 10 pm EST this evening. * impacts…damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Precautionary/preparedness actions… People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”

Reports are coming in that trees are down across the county and in the roads. Weather services have also recorded wind gusts of up to 60 mph in Union County.