Rabun under Flood Watch until Friday evening

With the recent sustained heavy rain, one gate has been opened on Lake Rabun – Mathis Dam, and more are likely to follow suit as the precipitation shows no signs of letting up.

The National Weather Service Greenville station has issued a Flood Watch effective until Friday evening for Rabun County and surrounding mountain region(s).

According to Emergency Management Director Micheal Mazarky, the rain is forecasted to continue and river/lake levels are already threatening to spill over.

The additional rain expected to fall on already saturated soils is producing rapid river and stream level responses. According to Sky 96.3 Meteorologist John Weatherbee, another 2″ of rain is likely to accumulate through Friday evening.

Flooding of area streams and mainstem rivers will likely inundate low-lying areas adjacent to streams, including farmland, parks, and campgrounds. Periods of heavy rain can overwhelm or clog storm drains and ditches with debris and cause extensive street flooding and road ponding. This is especially true this time of year as fallen leaves block or impede drainage systems according to EMA officials.