Five inches of rain fell during Thursday’s storms
Community, News March 26, 2021
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.
Thousands without power after overnight thunderstorms
Community April 13, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The overnight severe thunderstorms and high winds left 7,900 in the area without power and multiple trees blown down, and some flooding.
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) is working to restore power.
Some residents lost power around 12 a.m. until 7 a.m. due to trees across power lines. In his 8 a.m. update, BRMEMC Manager Jeremy Nelms reported that around 4,000 of the outages had been restored. However, the continued high winds are a concern for bucket truck use. The wind advisory ends at 10 a.m. according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Nelms asked the public to please stay out of the crews’ way while working and to follow social distancing guidelines. “We want these men to remain as healthy as possible to continue performing their jobs. Thank you!” said Nelms.
To report an outage, call BRMEMC or visit its website.
Feature image from BRMEMC.
Fetch Your News will update this story as more information becomes available.
Severe weather forecasted for Sunday afternoon to Monday morning
Announcements, News April 12, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The National Weather Service Peachtree City (NWS) office has issued several severe weather warnings for North Georgia from Sunday into Monday.
From the NWS:
“There is an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, across much of north and central Georgia this afternoon through early Monday morning, with a moderate risk for parts of northwest Georgia. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are also likely. Flash flooding will also be possible over parts of far north Georgia this afternoon and overnight. River levels may remain high through early next week.”
A wind advisory also goes into effect at 6 p.m. and will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, April 13. South winds between 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected.
NWS warns of possible tree limbs falling and power outages in the area due to the high winds. The service recommends to secure outdoor objects and take caution if operating a “high profile vehicle.”
Finally, North Georgia should be on the lookout for potential flash flooding as a watch will be in place until Monday morning.
Forecast map from NWS.
“Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through early Monday morning. Rain will be moderate to heavy at times with localized flooding possible. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Runoff from this rain will lead to a threat of flash flooding.” – NWS
Counties included in the issued warning and watches include Union, Towns, Fannin, Murray, Gordon, Lumpkin, Dawson, White, and Pickens.