Flash Flood Warnings In Our Area

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST FOR MURRAY... SOUTHERN WHITFIELD... SOUTHEASTERN WALKER... FANNIN... GILMER... GORDON... CHATTOOGA AND FLOYD COUNTIES... AT 817 AM EST...LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS REPORTED THAT WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAIN HAS FORCED NUMEROUS ROAD CLOSURES OVER THE WARNED AREA.

LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO TILTON... RAMHURST... PISGAH... LOVING... GREGORY... FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK ... EPWORTH. ..CRANDALL. ..CHERRY LOG.. .MCCAYSVILLE. ..ELLIJAY. ..DALTON. .. CHATSWORTH AND BLUE RIDGE RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF TWO TO THREE INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS HAS FALLEN ACROSS THE WARNED AREA THIS MORNING. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF UP TO AN INCH ARE POSSIBLE IN THE WARNED AREA THIS MORNING. MANY SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS ARE EXPERIENCING RAPID RISES.

IN HILLY TERRAIN THERE ARE LOW WATER CROSSINGS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY RAIN. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS...FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MORRISTOWN HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... MARION COUNTY IN EAST TENNESSEE... THIS INCLUDES THE CITUIES OF JASPER AND SOUTH PITTSBURG... * UNTIL 115 PM CST WEDNESDAY * AT 706 AM CST...LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS REPORTED FLASH FLOODING FROM EXTENDED RAINS OVER THE WARNED AREA.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO SOUTH
PITTSBURG...

THE LITTLE SEQUATCHIE RIVER IN COPPINGER COVE WAS RISING RAPIDLY AND
EVACUATIONS WERE TAKING PLACE. THIS RIVER IS KNOWN FOR RISING
RAPIDLY SO PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THIS AREA.

RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAIN WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF OTHER CREEKS AND
STREAMS, LOW LYING FARMLAND, AND ROADS ADJACENT TO STREAMS. OTHER
LOW LYING PLACES THAT NORMALLY FLOOD EASILY COULD BECOME DEATH
TRAPS. IF YOU COME TO A FLOODED OR CLOSED ROAD...TURN AROUND! DON`T
DROWN! THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.

The Whitfield County Emergency Services Department warns the public that we are currently under a FLASH FLOOD WARNING until 12:00 PM.

This means that a flash flood is occurring or is imminent for parts of Whitfield County. If you live in a flood prone area you need to leave until the warning period is over. If you experience flooding in your area and feel that you are in danger call 911.

If you are driving and come across an area of flowing water crossing a road or highway, do not attempt to cross. Just a few inches of flowing water can pick up your vehicle and sweep it downstream.

If you live in a low lying area near a creek, stream, river or lake it is never too late to prepare yourself by following these few easy steps.

Step 1: Get a kit.

Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which may include items such as non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies; bedding and clothing; and copies of important documents. For more information, go to http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html or contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Step 2: Make a Family Emergency Plan.

Step 3: Be Informed.

Be familiar with flood terms and whether you are in a flood prone area. To find out if your home is at risk for flood, visit www.floodsmart.gov or contact the Whitfield County Emergency Services office.