Flash flood warnings for Lumpkin, White and Towns counties

PEACHTREE CITY - The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for eastern Lumpkin County, White County and central Towns County.

The warning is in effect until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for Lumpkin and White counties. Towns County remains under the flash flood warning until 7:30.

National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated 2 to 3 inches of rain has fallen over all three counties since 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Soils have become completely saturated with excessive runoff.

Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Unicoi State Park, Helen, Cleveland, Sautee, Macedonia and Hiawassee.

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warning area Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding of small streams and creeks are imminent. Most flood related deaths occur in automobiles, so do not attempt to cross water-covered bridges, dips or low water crossings. Never try to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot. To escape rising water, move up to higher ground.