Severe Weather Passes Through Northeast Georgia, Minor Flooding Continues
Severe storms brought 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail to northeast Georgia Saturday night before weakening, while flooding concerns persist in Elbert County.
ELBERTON, GEORGIA — Severe thunderstorms that swept through northeast Georgia Saturday evening have weakened, but residents in Elbert County continue to face minor flooding concerns as heavy rainfall persists.
The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg issued multiple warnings throughout Saturday evening, beginning with a severe thunderstorm warning at 9:01 PM EDT for portions of north central Elbert County and southeastern Hart County in northeast Georgia, along with parts of South Carolina.
Storm Weakens After Brief Threat
The severe thunderstorm warning, which remained in effect until 9:45 PM EDT, tracked a storm system that posed threats of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. At 9:00 PM EDT, radar indicated the severe thunderstorm was positioned six miles northeast of Elberton near Russell State Park, moving northeast at 15 mph.
“Minor hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines,” the National Weather Service warned in its initial alert. The storm system affected multiple locations including Elberton, Iva, Russell State Park, Rock Branch, Nuberg, Ruckersville, Middleton, Lowndesville, Dewy Rose, and Lake Secession.
By 9:35 PM EDT, weather officials reported that “the storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.”
Flooding Advisory Remains Active
While the severe weather threat diminished, a flood advisory issued at 9:28 PM EDT remained in effect until 11:15 PM EDT for portions of northeast Georgia. The advisory specifically covered Elbert County, including the communities of Elberton and Ruckersville.
Doppler radar detected heavy rainfall from thunderstorms at 9:27 PM EDT, with up to two inches of rain already fallen in the affected area. Weather officials warned that additional rainfall amounts of one to three inches were expected overnight, resulting in minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
The locations experiencing flooding include Elberton, Russell State Park, Middleton, Lake Russell, and Ruckersville. Officials cautioned residents about water over roadways and advised against driving through flooded areas.
Public Safety Information
The National Weather Service encourages residents to report severe weather incidents through multiple channels. Citizens can call the toll-free number 1-800-267-8101, post updates on the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg Facebook page, or share information on X using the hashtag #nwsgsp.
“Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred,” officials stated in their advisory communications.
Weather officials remind the public that even after severe thunderstorm warnings expire, heavy rain can continue to create hazardous conditions. Residents should remain vigilant about changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel through areas prone to flooding until conditions improve.
