dpPhotos and videos show the impacts.
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — Videos and photos show the impacts of major flash flooding in parts of north Georgia. Fannin County Emergency Management said parts of the county are dealing with widespread flooding, with some homes flooded and others surrounded by water.
The National Weather Service issued a catastrophic Flash Flood Warning Wednesday night, initially set to expire at 1:30 a.m. The affected areas included portions of Fannin and Gilmer counties. The flash flood warning was then extended until 2:30 a.m.
“We currently have a multi-agency response underway, with mutual aid agencies assisting our local emergency personnel. In addition to flooding, crews have responded to multiple structure fires believed to have been caused by lightning strikes,” the Fannin County EMA shared on Facebook. “We are asking all residents to STAY OFF THE ROADS unless absolutely necessary. If you are in a safe location, please shelter in place.”
An emergency shelter is open at the Fannin County Recreation Center, located at 370 Tom Boyd Road in Blue Ridge.
Just before 10:50 p.m., the NWS said local law enforcement reported thunderstorms
producing heavy rain across the warned area, resulting in mudslides and water rescue.
Photos and videos show the impacts from the heavy rain. Below is one image taken by Holly Burgess on flooding near Highway 5 in Fannin County.
Residents in affected areas should seek higher ground because of the dangerous situation. Areas that could experience flash flooding include Blue Ridge, Higdon, and Colwell.
Emergency management officials in Gilmer County indicated some roads may be impassable due to water.
There are also visibility concerns for the morning hours in northwest Georgia. A Dense Fog Advisory was issued around 12:55 a.m. for Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.
This dense fog advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday.
