Dam Flood Gate release in Rabun County

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Rabun County until 4pm Friday, May 27, 2022, due to a dam flood gate release.  At 10:30am, dam operators report flood gates opening leading to a high flow event at Mathis Dam.  Part of Shady Lane and Mathis Dam Road will flood and the Joy Road bridge will likely be closed.  Motorists are advised to travel in this area with caution as this could cause road hazards.  Areas along the river immediately downstream of the dam could experience flooding.  Some locations that may experience flash-flooding are Tallulah Falls, Lakemont, Lake Rabun, and Tallulah Gorge State Park.  Turn around and don’t drown when encountering flooded roads as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.