The level of Lake Lanier, which had been on the decline since March 5, is headed back up following last week's rains, which occurred as a strong storm system moved through north Georgia.
The lake was at 1073.57 Sunday morning, up from 1072 last Wednesday. That's an increase of more than 1.5 feet. The level began a steady decline March 5 after reaching a peak of 1075.86 following winter rains.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall amounts across northeast Georgia include 4.3 inches in Helen, 3.6 inches in Dawsonville, 6 inches in Commerce (where widespread flooding caused major problems), 6.5 inches in Avalon in Stephens County, and 3.1 inches in Gainesville.
Most of the attention generated by the stormy weather, however, centered on strong, gusty winds, and a tornado that touched down in the North Hall area near Gainesville.
