Flood Watch in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday evening
CLAYTON — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina from Saturday morning through Sunday evening — in Northeast Georgia, Habersham and Rabun Counties and in Western North Carolina, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Jackson, Swain and Transylvania Counties.
Abundant moisture arriving from the Gulf of Mexico will produce several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall over the weekend. Rainfall totals will likely reach 2 to 3 inches across much of the southern Appalachians, with localized 3 to 5 inch amounts possible in southwesterly upslope preferred locations south of the Great Smoky mountains.
The moderate to heavy rain will fall on ground still moist from rainfall earlier in the week. Many rivers and streams are still running at elevated levels from the recent rainfall, and flooding will become increasingly likely Saturday night through Sunday.
A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
A couple precautionary/preparedness tips you can follow to make sure you stay safe if a Flood Warning develops are as follows:
Staying Safe Indoors
- Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
- Boil tap water until water sources have been declared safe.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
- Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
- Don’t use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.
- Dispose of any food that comes into contact with flood water.
Staying Safe Outdoors
- Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
- If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
- Don’t walk on beaches or riverbanks.
- Don’t allow children to play in or near floodwater.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
- Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.