Flooding forces school closures in northwest Georgia

ELLIJAY, Ga. (AP) Schools are closing for the day in at least two northwest Georgia counties because of flooding brought on by heavy rains.

Authorities in Gilmer County say several roads are closed or impassable because of high water, making it unsafe to take children to school.

Emergency officials have opened a shelter for anyone needing a place to stay in Gilmer County, where a subdivision is cut off because of a mudslide.

Similar problems are being reported in Fannin County, where schools also closed on Wednesday. Schools are opening late in Chattooga County.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Georgia's northwestern corner and northeast Alabama, and a flood watch extends as far south as metro Atlanta.