Several roads closed after heavy rainfall - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for Northern Georgia through Thursday morning.

Several rounds of extremely heavy rainfall fell over Northern Georgia early Wednesday morning and additional heavy rainfall is expected throughout the day.

So far, we've seen 3 to 7 inches of rain across Dawson, Lumpkin, Cherokee, Gordon, Gilmer, and Pickens counties.

As a result, several flash flood warnings have already been issued early Thursday morning. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected.

Additional rain can lead to flash flooding, downed trees, and power outages.

There are already several roads closed or affected by the weather:

• SR 136 E at Old Burnt Mountain Rd; Pickens Co; Mudslide; All Lanes Affected
• Road Flooding; SR 306 EW at Grindle Rd; Forsyth Co
• Holden Rd. is reported to be completely impassable due to flooding; Gilmer County
  
• Significant flooding being reported on Hwy. 5 South, water into the roadway; Gilmer County
• Southbound lane of Hwy. 5 South at 5200 block completely blocked due to a landslide; Gilmer County
• Dangerous rising water levels being reported on Cox Creek Rd. area off of Boardtown Rd.; Gilmer County
• Sinkhole is developing across Jones Road near Hidden Creek Rd.; Pickens County

In Pickens County, the Talona Creek area in Talking Rock is experiencing flooding. The Talona Creek campground is in this path. Support staff for the Pickens County Sheriff's Office are assisting in removing campers.

Crews are also attempting to assist in an evacuation in the area of Burnt Mountain Rd. as an individual's driveway was washed away.

The Pickens County Community Center is open for an emergency shelter.

In Gilmer County, GEMA said 60-70 homes have been affected by flash flooding. Twenty to 30 homes were affected by water damage.

Build an Ark Animal Rescue Ranch are evacuating, with help from the county, as a precaution.

Swift water rescue teams are en route to the county.

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