Widespread flooding following day of heavy rain

Community, News

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Creeks and rivers were out of banks after yesterday’s storms, and rains are likely to return this weekend.

Rain estimates as high as six inches were reported on Thursday. Friday looks to be a little drier but expect thunderstorms to return on Saturday.

From Union County EMA: “Union County Emergency Management Agency is in the process of collecting information from last night’s storms. If you received property damage, downed trees, culverts, bridges, road, etc.. (not hail damage) and would like to share with us, please send pictures and/or location to [email protected].”

Water did cross the Blue Ridge Hwy. at the Ralph Gillespie shop.

Butternut Creek at Meeks Park was up to the road last night, but this morning the water level had dropped back down. Another creek that rarely floods by Ingles was also almost to up to the road and close to the Brackett Room at UCB.

Hwy 180 near the bottom of the mountain in Suches. Photo courtesy of Traci Mele.

On backroads, some culverts became clogged and resulted in water nearly flooding the roads by 10 p.m. Fields flooded as well, but the water level appeared to have receded this morning.

Several gravel roads washed out into the highway. However, the forecasted storms will delay permanent repairs until the ground can dry out a bit.

Meeks Park flooded

Meeks Park. Photo courtesy of Lois Rich

 

 

 

From the National Weather Service:

“Thunderstorms and heavy rain are likely over portions of north and central Georgia on Saturday and Sunday, with a few strong to severe storms possible each day. Localized flash flooding is also possible across far north Georgia where the heaviest rain occurs.

There is also a chance of thunderstorms across portions of north and central Georgia on Wednesday and Wednesday night.”

Alabama received most of the damage from yesterday’s storm system with multiple tornados that left several people dead. One man died in Newnan, Ga from the tornados as well.

Feature image courtesy of Lois Rich.

Nottely River out of banks, widespread power outages following tropical storm Zeta

News
tropical storm zeta

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As tropical storm Zeta moves through the area, heavy rains have caused Nottely River to crest out of its banks and widespread power outages.

Union County received approximately 5 inches of rain and 100 trees fell as a result of tropical storm Zeta. Three water rescues took place, but no injuries. Also, 8,000 homes are without power.

Crossing Creek RV park has flooded at the Old Blue Ridge Hwy.

Crossings Creek RV Resort and Spa. Photo courtesy of Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce

Pappy’s off Hwy 129 and right on the Nottely River is underwater and several homes, in the same area, have water up-to their porches. Many of these homes are on stilts in case of the Nottely River flooding. The Pigs Gone Amuk mini-golf course across from Jim’s Smokin’ Que is completely submerged.

Pigs Gone Amuk Mini Golf

 

 

 

 

 

Granddaddy Mimm’s Distillery posted the following on its Facebook page: “Due to the overwhelming flooding at the distillery, we will be closed today. We may need to call on our community to help fill sandbags. It’s getting very close to coming in the building. Thank you for your continued support!!!”

Pappy’s Riverside includes several businesses.

Some individuals were preparing to kayak over to some of the businesses at Pappy’s when Fetch Your News left the area.

Butternut Creek in Meeks Park is back within its banks.

Reports are also coming in that in areas the Nottely River has reached the porches of homes built close to the river.

The UGA Extension Office fields were also submerged.

At 11 a.m., Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris issued a storm weather update:

“We have had nearly 5 inches of rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning. We have lots of creeks out of banks. We have had 3 water rescues but no injuries. Road Dept has about 100 trees down they have been working on all over the county. We have about 8000 households currently out of power. We are aware of two of homes damaged from trees. No reports of injuries. Thanks to all Union County Emergency Services personnel for your hard work which will probably continue all day and into the night. A special thanks also to Blueridge Mountain EMC and all water departments.”

UGA Extension Office fields

At 8 a.m., the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) “has recorded over 150 outages affecting over 15,000 members across most of our system.” More power outages are expected as tropical storm Zeta continues to pass through. BRMEMC crews are out and working to quickly restore power. However, they do ask for patience.

Power outage map from BRMEMC

 

 

The tropical storm warning is in effect across north Georgia and portions of west central Georgia. The National Weather Service released at 6:45 a.m. that the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding is diminishing, but flooding of minor river, lakes, and streams is still possible. Also, “maximum sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph are possible, which will bring down trees and powerlines.”

Citizens are asked to keep their cellphones charged, remain calm, and find a safe shelter.

For assistance with power, internet, or public safety, contact one of the following:

  • Blue Ridge Mountain EMC:  706-379-3121
  • Windstream:  611 or 1-800-481-3407
  • Union County Road Dept:  706-439-6062
  • GA DOT: 706-781-3957
  • State Road Conditions:  511
  • 911 Center Non-Emergency:  706-439-6038

tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath tropical storm zeta aftermath

Thunderstorms result in power outages, flooding, and downed trees

Community, weather
thunderstorms

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The overnight severe thunderstorms and high winds left 7,900 in the area without power and multiple trees blown down, and some flooding.

No injuries reported at this time. Weather statements recorded winds of up to 60 mph at 1:23 a.m. A Tornado Watch was also issued late into the night for Union County. Much of North Georgia was under either a watch or a warning, a tornado did touch down in Murray County.

Approximately 50 trees fell across Union, 2,500 residents lost power, nine power lines down on county roads, and one carport blown into the road. Some flooding occurred and debris clogged up culverts. At least, one-vehicle accident took place due to the storm.

thunderstorms

Courtesy od Commissioner Paris’ Facebook.

Union County EMA is currently assessing damage throughout the county and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) is working to restore power.

Some residents lost power around 12 a.m. until 7 a.m. due to trees across power lines. In his 8 a.m. update, BRMEMC Manager Jeremy Nelms reported that around 4,000 of the outages had been restored. However, the continued high winds are a concern for bucket truck use. The wind advisory ends at 10 a.m. according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

BRMEMC power outage map from the severe weather.

Nelms asked the public to please stay out of the crews’ way while working to restore power and to follow social distancing guidelines. “We want these men to remain as healthy as possible to continue performing their jobs. Thank you!” said Nelms.

To report a power outage, call BRMEMC or visit its website.

The Road Department is out clearing trees throughout the county. River and streams have risen significantly and resulted in some minor flooding. At least one home reported water inside the house.

In Blairsville proper, the Glenn Gooch By-pass four-way red-light is flashing red. Please use caution in that area.

Feature image courtesy of BRMEMC Facebook.

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