Several families displaced by rising Georgia floodwaters due to storm

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - Several families have been displaced as the areas around Chattooga County and Floyd County continue to experience heavy flooding and storms.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency on Sunday after thunderstorms and heavy rain pounded parts of northwest Georgia on Sunday, sparking flash flooding in some areas.

The whole downtown Summerville was flooded. They were asking people not to go downtown” said Carolyn Heath, Summerville resident.

Todd Tanner also lives in that neighborhood. His home wasn’t spared. the rain forced him to evacuate and seek shelter at North Summerville Baptist Church.

“I woke up, rolled out of bed, put my feet on the floor and stepped into the water,” he said.

The church teamed up with the American Red Cross to not only provide shelter but clothing and other necessities at the church.

“We made sure everybody had a hot meal, something to drink, basically a dry place to give them,” said Sammy Barrett, pastor.

Goods will be distributed on Labor Day from Noon until 5 p.m. at Central Avenue Baptist Church. American Red Cross representatives will remain at North Summerville Baptist Church overnight Sunday into Labor Day to help those who are displaced. The church is a shelter for those who need it.

Watch: some of the damage we’re seeing as we drive around Chattooga County after flooding. Officials urge residents to stay off roads @cbs46 pic.twitter.com/07Q4lMvBoz
— Jasmina Alston (@JasminaAlstonTV) September 4, 2022

The National Weather Service said rainfall of up to one inch per hour was causing creeks, streams, roadways and urban areas to experience unusually high water levels. Up to 10 inches of rain was reported to have fallen in Chattooga County.

“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order,” the service said.

FIRST ALERT: EXTREME flooding in Chattooga County continues, and there’s more heavy rain over that area now. Floyd also under State of Emergency - rain likely there this afternoon as well.

Turn around, don’t drown. #FirstAlertATL pic.twitter.com/qxHv79pqOx
— Fred Campagna (@FredCampagna) September 4, 2022

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County shared photos on their Facebook page thanking volunteers for helping to relocate animals to safer area due to the heavy flooding.