Flood — Elbert, Georgia

2020-02-07 · near Harper, Elbert, Georgia

Event narrative

Although heavy rain tapered off across Elbert County during the evening, stream levels on Beaverdam Creek continued to rise steadily throughout the morning of the 7th, and a stream gauge on the creek north of Elberton reflected the most significant flooding in at least 32 years. Major flooding occurred along the stream, with multiple roads washed out and water inundating at least one business along Brewers Bridge Rd.

Wider weather episode

Unusually high levels of moisture for early February combined with a slow-moving frontal system to produce an extended period of moderate to heavy rainfall across northeast Georgia from the morning of the 5th until the early morning hours of the 7th. Intense rain rates associated with bands of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms developing along the front during the morning and afternoon of the 7th resulted in flash flooding. Total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches occurred across the area.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.1990, -82.9890)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 875677. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.