Pickens flooding in the storm

JASPER, Ga. – Parts of Pickens are falling victim to the heavy storms and rain as water levels rise. Citizens are sending in photos of the damage during the storm.

Already cancelling the “Piggin in the Park” event Lee Newton Park, event planners are still trying to look at possibly continuing the event tomorrow at the scheduled time. The National Weather Service did say the storms tonight could have “up to 40 mph wind, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and very heavy rain.” However, no warnings or watches have been issued specifically for Pickens County as a whole.

While most of the storms are northeast of the county, effects are still being felt in isolated situations like this. For citizens on the east side of the county, near the Gilmer and Dawson County lines, be alert as the storm damage could easily reach and affect you.

Authorities are asking citizens to “be on alert for minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain will cause temporary street flooding, especially in poor drainage areas, and rising water on creeks and streams.

The park is not the only area being affected as another photo from in front of the Speedburger shows the flooding is spreading to other parts of the county.

Police and Emergency authorities are responding to the incidents. Authorities have asked citizens in recent storms to not drive through flooded streets if you cannot see the road as a driver cannot tell if part of the road has washed away.

The National Weather Service has also issued a statement saying, “Motorists should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to hydroplaning.”