Jamie Jones
Murray and Whitfield counties are under a flood warning until 2:15 p.m. today, meaning floods are occurring or on the way, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS also placed the two counties under a flood watch until 7 p.m. today, which means conditions are favorable for flooding, especially along larger streams and rivers.
An operator with Murray County 911 said there was flooding throughout the county, but said there had been no major problems or serious accidents reported as of 10 a.m. The operator said there were no closed roads, adding the “torrential rain” caused several areas to have standing water.
“There have just been fender benders and people running off the road because of the rain,” he said.
Jeffrey Putnam, Whitfield County Emergency Services director, said this morning only one road in the county — River Road — was closed. He said “there was nothing to” a reported rock slide near the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. There was only one rock about 18 inches in diameter in the road, he said.
Putnam urged residents to be cautious while driving, while the NWS warned of more flooding tonight.
“Some creeks and rivers across north Georgia are already near flood stage,” according to the NWS. “The additional rainfall late tonight could push the creeks and rivers above flood stage.”
An area of showers and thunderstorms across central Georgia this morning will shift north through the day. North Georgia received between two and three inches of rain Wednesday and this morning. An extra one to three inches of rain is expected throughout the day.
Tonight, the rain, combined with temperatures near freezing, could bring some snow, according to the NWS. Little or no accumulation is expected. The rain is expected to clear out Friday, bringing sunny skies and highs in the mid 40s.
