FROM GORDON COUNTY GOVERNMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Calhoun and Gordon County have been impacted by a recent weather front bringing heavy rains and significant flooding all across the county. There have been 2 deaths which were storm related. This is a very serious situation in which there are treacherous conditions on water flooded roadways, as well as the risk of additional flooding in the next 72 hours. An additional 3+ inches of rain is forecast for our area. A local state of emergency for Gordon County has been declared by the Board of Commissioners. Additional risks will include more flooded roads, downed trees and power lines, and the potential for flooding of residential area. A new round of approaching storms is capable of producing (more) heavy rains and high winds, which can easily topple trees in the rain saturated ground. The weather situation is evolving rapidly, and residents should monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) and local media outlets to keep abreast of the situation.
Calhoun and Gordon County governments have initiated a Unified Command System for public safety and other entities in response to this threat. State and local law enforcement, fire/rescue, emergency medical services, public works, E911, and emergency management representatives are all in conference now at the Emergency Operations Center in Calhoun arranging for the deployment of resources. First Responder agencies have extra personnel and other resources already on stand-by, and additional personnel have been deployed to patrol the affected areas.
A temporary shelter for anyone who might become displaced is being established at theSonoraville Recreation Center at 7494 State Route 53 (Fairmount Highway); any residents who think that their home might be affected are urged to come to the shelter before becoming trapped by rising waters. This shelter will be open at 8 p.m. tonight (December 28)
The following roadways have been closed and/or reported affected by flooding, and should be avoided:
· Reeves Station Road
· Langford Road
· Thomas Bluff Road
· Baugh Mountain Road
· Beamer Circle
· Beamer Bottoms Road
· Brookshire Road
· Cedar Hill Drive
· Corinth Road
· Defoor Road
· Dobson Road
· John White Road
· Lance Road
· Langford (Bottoms) Road
· Miller Ferry Road
· Newtown Creek Road
· Owens Gin Road (washed away)
· Pittman Road
· Riverbend Road (Plainville)
· Riverview Drive (Calhoun)
· Thomas Bluff Road
· Water Tank Road
· Wright’s Hollow Road
Officials EMPHASIZE that persons should NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS OR ENTER FLOODWATERS!
Local and state officials are on duty and will continue to monitor the weather situation, and more updates will be made available to the public in a timely fashion.