The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Tallulah Falls Dam and the surrounding area, especially affecting campgrounds and other low-lying areas along the Tallulah River between Lake Rabun and Tallulah Gorge.
Georgia Power Co. has posted a High Flow Event in conjunction with the Flood Warning.
Tugalo Dam has 14 gates open, while currently two gates are open at Tallulah Falls Dam and one gate is open at Burton Dam, according to the alerts.
Preparations are underway to open one or more gates at Mathis Dam on Lake Rabun, and additional gates may be opened at Burton Dam.
Gates on the dams are used to reduce elevated lake levels resulting from recent sustained heavy rain.
Campgrounds and low-lying property along the Tallulah River between Lake Rabun and Tallulah Gorge may experience rapid rises in water level and flash flooding.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Tallulah Falls, Lake Rabun, Lakemont, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and Tiger, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Shady Lane, Mathis Dam Road and Old 441 will be impacted, and portions of the roads may be flooded.
Because most flood deaths occur in vehicles, motorists should not attempt to drive through water-covered roadways, across water-covered bridges or low-level crossings.
The initial weather warning is in effect until early Wednesday, but may be extended based on continuing heavy rain in the area, officials say.
