Tropical Storm Irma Topples Trees, Blocks Roadways

Hiawassee, GA – The remnants of Hurricane Irma toppled trees, restricted travel, and downed power lines throughout the mountains of North Georgia as the center of the storm made its way through the western portion of the state.

Heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts contributed to the damage.

Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) reported 200 power outages, affecting 8,505 customers, early Tuesday morning. Crews are continuing to work to restore electricity to the affected areas.

Several major roadways in Towns County were temporarily impassable due to fallen trees. Highway 75 South, which crosses Unicoi Gap, was blocked during the night as county employees cleared widespread debris.

Department of Transportation (DOT) crews arrived early Tuesday morning to assist with the clean up effort.

“Trees were falling faster than they could be removed,” a Towns County first responder tells Fetch Your News.

Fortunately, there were no reports of flooding or human injuries as a result of the storm.

Scattered showers remain in the forecast with clouds clearing in time for the weekend.

Mostly sunny skies are expected over Hiawassee on Saturday.