Oconee Under Flash Flood Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for much of north and portions of central Georgia, including Oconee and Clarke counties, from late tonight through Tuesday morning.

Widespread rain is expected with embedded thunderstorms likely to develop in the watch area. This is as a result of Tropical Storm Lee moving northeast from the Louisiana coast and interacting with a cold front moving southward from the Ohio-Tennessee Valley Region. This is expected to last through Labor Day and into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Areas across far north Georgia could see rainfall amounting to 5 to 7 inches with 3 to 5 inches possible as far south as a line from LaGrange to Eatonton to Washington. The precipitation is expected to begin tapering off early Tuesday.

Officials warn heavy rain may lead to instances of flash flooding, especially in poorly drained locations. Also, with the amount of rainfall expected, dry soils will quickly saturate. This could lead to rapid runoff into river and creeks resulting in dangerous and potentially life threatening flash flooding.

Officials urge that people monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should a Flash Flood Warning be issued. A Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is imminent or actually occurring