Five inches of rain fell during Thursday’s storms

Community, News
rainfall

HIAWASSEE, Ga – Towns County rainfall estimates for Thursday, March 25 are between four and five inches following storms that lasted well into the night.

According to the USGS station at the Hiwassee River at Riverside Drive, the rain gauge recorded 5.67 inches over a 24 hour period. Union County recorded 5.13 inches and Rabun recorded 8.36 inches.

Reports of creeks rising are coming in. The Hiwassee River changed its status to minor flooding.

Friday is expected to be clear, but rains will return on Saturday.

From the National Weather Service:

“Thunderstorms and heavy rain are likely over portions of north and central Georgia on Saturday and Sunday, with a few strong to severe storms possible each day. Localized flash flooding is also possible across far north Georgia where the heaviest rain occurs.

There is also a chance of thunderstorms across portions of north and central Georgia on Wednesday and Wednesday night.”

Feature image courtesy of Pat Hanbery.

Hiwassee River reaches moderate flooding following tropical storm Zeta

News
zeta

HIAWASSEE, Ga – Citizens of Towns County are in the middle of a lengthy power restoration and cleanup process following tropical storm Zeta.

As of 5 p.m., the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC), it reporting 1,583 power outages in Towns County alone. BRMEMC stated online that 21,000 customers were out of power across north Georgia and western North Carolina. By midday on Thursday, October 29, they had reduced the number to 17,000. They stressed that restoring power will be a multi-day effort and to please keep a safe distance from working crews.

The majority of outages were caused by downed trees and power lines as well as heavy rain from tropical storm Zeta.

The Hiwassee River crested well over its banks leaving some barns, fields, and cars underwater. At 9:15 a.m., the river had reached moderate flooding level at 11.9 feet. Flood level is 9 feet.

Images courtesy of Amanda Dockery.

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