A flash flood warning raced across parts of north Georgia Friday as slow-moving thunderstorms dumped heavy rain over the mountains. Emergency officials warned creeks and low-lying roads could flood quickly, stranding drivers and cutting off backroads in the Ellijay area.
Flash flood warning in effect
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a flash flood warning for central Fannin and Gilmer counties, naming Ellijay, East Ellijay, Cherry Log and nearby communities, and said the warning would remain in effect until 4:45 p.m. Friday, according to National Weather Service. Radar indicated 2 to 4 inches of rain had already fallen across the warned area, with additional amounts possible, and the agency said flash flooding was either ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The office reminded drivers to "Turn around, don't drown" when encountering flooded roads.
Local coverage tracked the cells in real time. CBS Atlanta reported heavy downpours that left streets and creek crossings under water, and broadcasters noted damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning were possible with the storms. The station also listed specific neighborhoods and roads at risk and urged residents to monitor updates as the system moved east.
Heat advisory across east-central Georgia
A heat advisory will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Friday for Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam and Walton counties, with heat-index values near 108 degrees possible, per National Weather Service. Officials warned that the combination of hot, humid conditions and intermittent storms raises the risk of heat illness for people working or recreating outdoors.
What to watch and where
Chief meteorologist Brad Nitz will be tracking storms live on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00 p.m., WSB‑TV reported. County emergency-management pages and local broadcasters will post road-closure and shelter information as needed, and Gilmer County Emergency Management is a local resource for updates. Residents were urged to avoid driving through standing water and to keep phones charged for incoming alerts.
With soggy ground and more storms likely into the weekend, officials urged people to postpone nonessential travel and stay weather-aware. Local emergency pages and broadcasters will update conditions as they come in.
