Area responders urge residents to prepare for rounds of rain

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Meteorologists are forecasting a heavy amount of rainfall to descend on the north Georgia and western North Carolina mountains throughout the coming week, warning that possible flash flooding may occur in prone locations. According to the National Weather Service, a total of 5 to 7 inches of rain is expected in the region with the potential of 10 inches of localized precipitation possible.

Area first responders urge residents to remain aware of current conditions as rainfall amounts accumulate.

Towns County Emergency Management Agency encourages citizens to register with the CodeRED call-text alert system, an automated program that notifies residents of impending concern.

“We are aware of the potential of this storm impact over the next several days,” Towns County EMA Director Rickey Mathis explained to FYN this morning. “I have spoken to the Area 1 GEMA field coordinator as well as the chapter chairman of the Red Cross. If needed, we will open a comfort station for those that may need to evacuate. The situation that is most concerning is a heavy rain 1-2 inches in a short period of time. With the ground saturation, it just runs off. Subscribing to the CodeRED alert system is a great way to get local information, and a great way for us to quickly alert the citizens as well as social media and FYN.”

Residents can subscribe for CodeRED alerts at http://www.townscountyga.org/emergency-alert-system.html

Hiwassee Dam Fire Department is ready should conditions warrant an emergency response. “Our swift water response team is prepared. If you live in flood prone areas, stay alert,” the Murphy, NC department advised. “Monitor the streams as well as NOAA radio. Be prepared to evacuate. The forecast is still not set in stone, but we have seen predictions for anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain through Friday. The ground is saturated and the streams are already above normal flow.”

Emergency crews in Towns County, GA, Clay County, NC, and surrounding areas are additionally trained in swift water rescue.

Follow FYN for weather-related updates in our area of coverage.

 

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