Heavy rain caused flooding in Helen and mudslides to the north
(Cleveland)- White County experienced several inches of rainfall over the last 24 hours. According to WRWH Weather Reporter Bill Kinsland the the rain gauge in Helen measured 5.56 inches at 7 AM Wednesday. The excessive rainfall has caused numerous problems around the county, especially the northern part.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy reported Wednesday that 9-1-1 dispatch received several calls Tuesday night and Wednesday morning concerning trees down, road blocked with debris and roads with heavy water runoff, especially in higher elevations. According to Murphy moderate to heavy mudslides have been reported mainly on the mountain north of Helen towards Towns County.
He said we expect some damage to vehicles and lower levels of buildings around the river in Helen. After midnight, the river flooded out of its banks into parked vehicles and rental units alongside of river. No injuries have been reported as a result of the flooding.
Chattahoochee crests above flood stage
Bill Kinsland said the Chattahoochee River in downtown Helen crested at 2:25 AM (Wednesday) at 6.44 feet, which is .44 feet above official flood stage. The river had dropped to 4.75 feet by 7 AM.
Murphy said one privately owned pond in the county was overflowing across the dam, with spill way fully operational, he said there are no visual structural damage and no significant downstream threat to residents. Murphy said as of 8 AM Wednesday the following county roads were damaged or closed: Roy Powers off Duncan Bridge is closed. Sandy Flats @ Silver Falls Rd is closed due to washout damage. Bean Creek Road – one lane closed due to washout and culvert damage.
Murphy advised they will continue damage assessments especially to the county’s infrastructure, and checking out reports received by the public. White County Public Works will be evaluating in detail those county roads with closure and damage.
Murphy said, with more rain is forecast for the area, some could be heavy at times. We will continue to update as information becomes available.
In the city of Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt advised Tuesday night around 11:48 PM Highway 129 (South Main Street) was closed to traffic for about 30 minutes due to flooding of the highway in front of Glenda’s Restaurant. Pruitt said Cleveland Fire Department And Cleveland Police Shut Down The Area as a safety measure.
According to Pruitt prior to the arrival of officials a driver attempted to cross the water and the vehicle flooded out. He said the driver was able to get out of the vehicle as the water continued to rise. Pruitt said the roadway was reopened after the water receded.
Quillian Street in the city was also shut down due to flooding according to Pruitt. He advised Cleveland Fire Department personnel check out other areas of the city and found only minor flooding issues.
White County rainfall amounts
WHITE COUNTY TEMPS & 24-HR. RAINFALL AS OF 7 AM THIS MORNING:
CLEVELAND (WRWH): TEMP: 69 / RAIN: 2.89 in.
(Dean & Bonnie Dyer) / SKY: “CLOUDY OVERCAST”
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SAUTEE (SAUTEE WX STATION): TEMP: 68 /RAIN 4.88 in.
SKY: “OVERCAST ” (Bill Kinsland)
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HELEN (USGS Gage @ Main St.): TEMP: 69 / RAIN: 5.56 in.(automated)
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3 SISTERS VINEYARDS (GAEMN) TEMP: 69 / RAIN: 3.38 in.(automated)
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WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL: TEMP: 70 / RAIN: N/A in.(automated)
In White County this morning (Wednesday), the YEAR-TO-DATE RAINFALL TOTAL is 41.59 inches /NORMAL: 27.29 inches. DEPARTURE: +14.30 inches (SURPLUS).
