Railroad underpass on Airport Road in Baldwin. (photo/Melissa Mulkey)
Public safety officials are urging drivers to steer clear of flooded roadways in the wake of today’s torrential rainstorms.
In Commerce, flooding shut down traffic on US 441 near the Tanger Outlet Malls this morning as water rushed over the roadway. The same thing happened in Baldwin at the railroad underpass on Airport Road.
Flooding was also reported this morning at the Dip on GA 197 North and Level Grove Road at J. Warren Road.
More roads in the region are expected to flood as Georgia Power increases releases out of the Tallulah River lakes. Some roads that will be impacted include Shady Lane and Mathis Dam Road downstream of Mathis Dam. Some residents will likely be cutoff or have to seek longer alternative routes to leave their homes, the National Weather Service says.
Public safety personnel are monitoring the flooding situation and urge drivers to steer clear of flooded roadways and obey all barricades. “Never drive through that,” warns Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black.
Forecasters say the flood threat will persist through the afternoon. Streams will continue to rise and new flooding may develop. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Habersham and Rabun counties until 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Accidents after the storm
As of late Friday morning, the State Patrol in Toccoa reported only one accident without injuries. By mid- afternoon, that changed.
There were reports of accidents on Chase Road in Cornelia and on the US 441 Bypass at GA 365 North. One accident involved an 18-wheeler, according to Habersham County EMA.
The storm left its mark on other parts of northeast Georgia as well. A steeple was ripped from a church in Hall County. There were early morning reports of flooding on Highway 400 in Dawson County. Lumpkin County officials reported numerous trees down. And in Banks County they canceled school because of the weather. Fortunately for Habersham, students were already out on spring break. And that’s not the only fortunate thing. “We have come out pretty good compared to what I am seeing with other areas around us,” says Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black.
The storm system that swept through early Friday caused minor morning flooding at Pitts Park in Clarkesville. Officials closed the park. By mid-afternoon the adjacent Soque River overran its banks and nearly flooded the entire park. While that’s not unusual, flooding at the Pitts Park always attracts a crowd. There was a steady stream of onlookers driving and walking by throughout the afternoon.
This is the third time since December that the popular gathering spot has been closed due to flooding.
Swollen creeks washed over roads and even washed out a section of a driveway off of Alec Mountain Road.
The National Weather Service has extended its Flash Flood Warning for central Habersham and southeastern Rabun County until 12:15 a.m. Saturday.
Black urges people to remain vigilant. Watch for potential hazards such flooding, downed trees and power lines and let the professional do their jobs. While it seems nice to try and help out the power companies by cutting trees or limbs he cautions, don’t do it. “Let them do their work and stay away from any downed or low hanging lines,” Black says.
