Resort evacuated overnight, Highway 75 south suffers erosion

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Heavy rainfall from subtropical storm Alberto resulted in the flooding of Enchanted Valley RV Resort, located off Highway 75 south, during the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Towns County first responders arrived on scene to assist in evacuation efforts. The mobile home park borders the Hiawassee River.

Towns County CodeRed emergency alert system began notifying residents of impending danger shortly before midnight Tuesday, May 29.

Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland told FetchYourNews he has never seen water rise to such levels so rapidly.

“The water was waist high in some areas, and I am 6 foot 3. I’ve never seen water run so fast,” Copeland said. “We cut off power as a safety precaution, and evacuated between ten to a dozen people.” Copeland said some residents were walked out while others were evacuated via a county vehicle. Approximately 30 residents were sheltered at Macedonia Baptist Church and Towns County Recreation Center overnight. Electricity was restored to the area at approximately 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 30.

Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has reported that Highway 75 south, north of Helen, between Robertstown and Unicoi Gap, is currently closed to traffic due to erosion from the recent rainfall.  Motorists are being diverted to a detoured route while road crews repair the damage.

Abundant moisture will remain across the area today with periods of showers and thunderstorms. Additional rainfall of one to 1.5 inches is expected, with higher amounts in localized areas. Some of these amounts could fall within a short period of time. Creek and river levels are already above average, and it will not take much additional rainfall to cause levels to rise above bank height. High waters may not recede until well after the rain has ended. A flood watch remains in effect until further notice.

 

 

[Feature photo: Highway 76 south, credit Georgia DOT]

[Enchanted Valley RV Park, credit Ella Whelchel]