Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon in Chattooga and Floyd counties, directing all state resources to assist with “preparedness, response and recovery activities.” The National Weather Service said rainfall of up to an inch per hour is causing unusually high water levels in creeks, streams, roads and urban areas. Up to 12 inches of rain was estimated to have fallen in the area, according to Kemp’s executive order. “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are leaving an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order,” the agency said. The agency has declared a “flood emergency” for Summerville, Lyerly and James H. Floyd State Park in Chattooga County. Floyd County – just to the south – was also under a flash flood warning. At 3:10 p.m., the agency advised locals to avoid non-emergency travel as another round of emergency rainfall entered the area. The City of Summerville advised residents who use city utilities to boil water before drinking, cooking or preparing baby food due to flash flooding at the Raccoon Creek Filter Plant. “The water should boil for at least one minute after it reaches the boiling point. “Citizens should continue to boil their water until notified by the drinking water company that the water system has been restored to full operation and that the microbiological quality of the water in the distribution system is safe for human consumption,” the city said. his website.
