Staff report
White County experienced widespread flooding on Saturday, Jan. 10, as heavy rainfall caused creeks, culverts, and drainage systems to become overwhelmed across multiple areas of the county.
Between 9:44 a.m. and 3:56 p.m., more than a dozen flooding-related incidents were reported countywide. Over the weekend, the U.S. Geological Survey, in coordination with the National Weather Service, recorded 5.62 inches of rainfall, with the majority falling within that time window, according to a news release from White County Public Safety.
“This represented a significant amount of rain in a short period, resulting in rapid runoff from higher elevations that quickly flowed into streams, roadways, and drainage systems,” explained Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett. “These conditions led to flooded roadways, blocked culverts, washed-out driveways, and storm debris, requiring responses from White County Public Safety, White County Fire Services, White County EMS, the White County Sheriff’s Office, the White County Road Department, Georgia DOT, the Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland Public Works, the Helen Fire Department, and Helen Public Works.”
One incident occurred at a camper park on Asbestos Road, where rising floodwaters trapped multiple people inside their campers, Barrett said. White County Fire Service’s swift-water rescue team was deployed, and one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The area was secured, and residents were told not to return until floodwaters had receded, he said.
Flooding also caused road closures and traffic disruptions across parts of Helen, Cleveland, and several rural areas of White County, according to public safety officials. Numerous culverts became clogged by storm debris, leading to roadway flooding and drainage failures. In one location, a private driveway collapsed and washed out, leaving it unsafe for use until repairs can be made, according to the news release.
Numerous people were unable to leave the county recreation facility at Yonah Preserve for several hours due to surrounding floodwaters. County personnel provided them food and beverages until it was safe for them to leave.
“Once the torrential rain reached a critical point at Yonah Preserve, we asked the remaining people at the recreation center to shelter in place,” White County Commission Chairman TravisTurner said. “We were able to provide meals and give the children the opportunity to play in the gym while the rain stopped and the creeks began to recede. Everyone was able to leave safely once conditions improved.”
Emergency crews worked throughout the severe weather event to close unsafe roads, clear debris, restore drainage, and check on residents in affected areas. Swift-water rescue resources were deployed or placed on standby in locations where flooding posed a life-safety risk. Heavy equipment was used by the Road Department to clear culverts and restore water flow.
“No fatalities were reported, and all known incidents were resolved without serious injuries,” Barrett said. “By mid-afternoon, floodwaters had receded, roadways were reopened where safe, and all impacted locations were stabilized. White County Emergency Management continues to document the event and review areas affected by the flooding.”
“First, I want to commend all of our emergency personnel, including our Fire Service, Sheriff’s Office, Road Department, and Emergency Management for their diligence in working in extreme conditions during Saturday’s rain event,” Turner said “We are very fortunate and blessed to have such a high-quality group of men and women who always give their very best in serving our community. The extreme amount of rain that White County received in a relatively short period of time was truly monumental.”
White County Public Safety advises residents that should never drive or walk through floodwaters, as doing so puts lives at risk and can divert emergency resources away from other critical calls and rescue efforts.
“Even shallow-appearing water can conceal washed-out roadways, strong currents, debris, or downed power lines, making conditions extremely dangerous,” Barrett said. “Motorists should never attempt to drive around barricades or through standing water, and pedestrians should avoid creeks, drainage ditches and flooded low-lying areas. When flooding is present, residents are urged to stay off the roads, monitor official alerts and wait for conditions to improve before traveling.”
The White County News will publish more photos of Saturday's rain event in this week's print issue on Thursday, Jan. 15.