Cleanup Begins after Flooding in Northwest Georgia on Wednesday

Parts of northwest Georgia will be cleaning up on Thursday after heavy rain led to significant flooding Wednesday morning. High waters forced evacuations and school closures, but those waters finally receded after some roads were washed out. 

The Coosawattee River was rising early Wednesday morning, and continued to rise into the day. The most significant flooding issues were reported in the Tails Creek community near Highway 282, according to the Gilmer County Emergency Management Agency. A shelter for evacuees opened at Gilmer Middle School in Ellijay.

As a result, schools in Gilmer and Fannin County were closed Wednesday. North Georgia Christian Academy in Ellijay was also closed.

Flooding was also reported in the southeast part of Chattooga County. 

Gilmer County authorities say several roads were closed or blocked by high water early Wednesday, including Lower Tails Creek Road, Gates Chapel Road, Flat Branch Road and Corbin Hill Road. In Fannin County, flooding was reported in the Mineral Bluff area. Emergency workers there say rescue operations were carried out Wednesday morning.

Rescue crews pulled people out of at least four homes that were surrounded with water.