White County appears to have been one of the hardest hit areas, if not the hardest, in northeast Georgia over the weekend as torrential rains set creeks and rivers roaring through the valleys and causing widespread flooding. Monday, county officials issued a detailed report on what transpired and the county’s reaction.
WHITE CO. NARRATIVE:
“White County experienced widespread flooding on Saturday, January 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. 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. 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, White County Sheriff’s Office, the White County Road Department, Georgia DOT, Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland Public Works, Helen Fire Department, and Helen Public Works.
A significant incident occurred at a camper park on Asbestos Road, where rising floodwaters trapped multiple people inside their campers. White County Fire Service’s swift-water rescue team was deployed, and one individual was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The area was secured, and residents were advised not to return until floodwaters had receded.
Flooding also caused road closures and traffic disruptions across parts of Helen, Cleveland, and several rural areas of White County. 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.
Several locations experienced temporary access issues, including the county recreation facility at Yonah Preserve, where people were unable to leave for a period of time due to surrounding floodwaters. Individuals were monitored and their needs were met as White County provided food and beverages until it was safe to depart.
(County Commission Chairman Tavis) Turner noted the importance of keeping the public safe during that time.
“Once the torrential rain reached a critical point at Yonah Preserve, we asked the remaining people at the recreation center to shelter in place,” Turner 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 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. 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.
(Turner)…praised the coordinated response to the event.
“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,” (he 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.””
