CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. — Steady rainfall hit parts of northwest Georgia over the weekend prompting a flood emergency by the National Weather Service.
But it didn't stop -- for nearly 12 hours. On Monday, with more rain expected, residents in the area are trying to dry out and clean up the mess that was left behind. For some, it's a long road ahead.
A flood watch is in affect for the majority of north Georgia, including metro Atlanta until 8 p.m. on Monday.
When will it stop raining?
The rain continues today for much of the area, unfortunately, that includes the region hardest hit by the flooding. The good news is that it won't be as widespread. It'll be scattered showers, for the most part, but don't be surprised if a heavy burst moves through.
With the flood watch in effect, this means that we can see anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of additional rainfall across north Georgia. With the ground already extremely saturated, we can see some of that runoff begin to go into our rivers, lakes and streams. That's where we could potentially see some more flooding.
The tropical moisture trend will continue this week with the chance for scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. The rain chances go down some on Tuesday, but then pick back up on Thursday and into next weekend.
How much rain fell in northwest Georgia?
The area that saw the most flooding was Summerville in Chattooga County, which is about 90 miles to the northwest of Atlanta. The radar indicates that that area saw around 12.6-inches of rain in a 24 hour period from late Saturday night through the day on Sunday.
Schools closed
The Chattooga County School System announced that classes would be called off through at least Wednesday due to not having water.
"Without water, we are unable to flush toilets, wash hands, drink from the fountains, or prepare lunches," a statement read.
A decision on if they'd reopen on Thursday and Friday will come later in the week.
"We will continue to stay in contact with City officials as we move forward this week so that informed decisions can be made to best protect and serve our families."
Boil water advisory in effect
The flooding knocked out water service to parts of Chattooga County, authorities said.
“Our main thrust right now is getting our water situation back in hand,” said Earle Rainwater, who owns Rainwater Funeral Home in Summerville and serves as the Chattooga County coroner.
“Without water, you can’t do anything,” he said Monday. “We don’t have water except for bottled water and what’s in the creeks.”
A helping hand
Church pastors and volunteers planned to distribute water on Monday in the small towns of Summerville and Trion, according to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency.
North Summerville Baptist Church at 119 Maplewood Dr. in Summerville plans on having bottled water available for residents who are without clean water.
Volunteers will be handing out water there until 5 p.m. Monday. They will also be giving away clothes as well, according to the Chattooga County EMA.
Meanwhile in Trion, Central Avenue Baptist Church and Barry Peppers, Associational Missionary announced they will also have a water giveaway Monday between noon and 5 p.m. at their location at 14074 Highway 27.
Families there will each receive two cases of water and a hot meal. The Chattooga County EMA also said cleanup kits will be available there.
State of Emergency in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Sunday declared a state of emergency in Chattooga and Floyd counties. That directed all state resources to help with “preparation, response and recovery activities.”
"Following severe flooding in North Georgia today, I have declared a State of Emergency in Chattooga and Floyd Counties," Gov. Kemp said in a statement. "As we work with local partners to address the damage in affected communities, Marty and I are asking all Georgians to join us in praying for the lives and homes impacted."
Roads closed due to flooding
Floyd County E-911 GA said a dozen roads in the Floyd County area are considered "hazard areas." As of Monday morning, these were the roads impacted:
- Pinecrest at Ann Drive
- 22 Wood Valley Terrace
- Garden Lakes at Fox Croft
- Bent Creek Drive
- Technology at Berry Hill
- Billy Pule at Coker Drive
- Lyons Drive
- Little Texas Valley at the iron bridge
- The 900 block of Texas Valley Road
- Yarbrough Bend
- The 600 block of Haywood Valley.
They also said several driveways from the 1700 to 5000 block of Big Texas Valley are washed out and impassable.
There are also multiple roads still impacted in Chattooga County, however, a complete list was not made available.
Photos of flooding in Georgia
Our 11Alive viewers sent dozens of photos when the water began to rise across the area in northwest Georgia. You can continue to send us pictures or video by text message to: 404-885-7600.
--
The Associated Press contributed to this report