A Flash Flood Emergency remained in effect early Thursday for parts of Fannin and Gilmer counties, including Blue Ridge, after heavy rain triggered reports of mudslides and water rescues, according to local reporting and weather alerts.
The emergency covered southern Fannin County and northern Gilmer County. Local 3 News reported that the National Weather Service said five to six inches of rain had fallen, with a further one to three inches possible. Law enforcement reported mudslides and water rescues in the affected area.
A 1:01 a.m. Eastern update said the emergency continued until 1:30 a.m. for Fannin and Gilmer counties, and listed Blue Ridge among the locations at risk. The alert described the flooding as life-threatening and urged people to seek higher ground.
The emergency was part of a wider period of flash-flood warnings across north Georgia. The National Weather Service’s Atlanta office said a warning covering Blue Ridge, Ellijay and Chatsworth was in effect until 3 a.m. Thursday. That broader warning and the emergency for southern Fannin and northern Gilmer had different stated end times.
11Alive reported that Gilmer County emergency management officials warned some roads might be impassable because of water. Officials urged people in affected areas to move to higher ground and avoid travelling through floodwater.
The reports available so far do not establish the full extent of damage, road closures or any injuries. Conditions and impacts may change as additional information becomes available.
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