In an area already drenched with rains, a Pickens County resident had to be rescued for the second time in a week. Charles Wigington who lives on DeWhitt Creek off Burnt Mountain Road outside of Jasper woke at 5 a.m. to find the creek had once again expanded around his home.The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County fire department personnel as well as Marietta Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team were on scene. The rescue team was deployed to the home but as they made assessments and set-up for the rescue, the water started receding. At that point, they were able to walk the Wigington across his yard safely to his vehicle, parked in a nearby driveway. In addition, Wigington’s two dogs were able to safely reach higher ground.

Wigington wasn’t the only one in peril as several areas around Jasper were inundated.

The Pickens EOC reports Jones Road near Hidden Creek Road area has a sinkhole in the roadway that has continued eroding. Earlier in the day an automobile accident due to rains was reported as a rescue at Mineral Springs and Diane Street. That information was erroneous.

Additional reported areas are Mineral Springs Road at Diane Street, Bell Avenue, and the area of Speed Burger. Talona Creek area campground has been evacuated and all campers have been moved to a safe area. Schools have reported buses are running as normal.

A temporary shelter has been set up at the Pickens County Recreation Department at 1329 Camp Road. Red Cross will also be providing relief.