Flooding leaves widespread road damage across Gilmer County

Drivers across Gilmer County are being warned to use extreme caution after Wednesday night’s heavy rain, and flooding washed out roads, damaged culverts, and left debris across the county.

Gilmer County officials say crews are continuing to assess the damage, and the list of trouble spots could grow as more areas are inspected.

Several locations have significant damage, including a bridge washed out on Zion Hill Road and road washouts near Conasauga Road and Shakerag Road.

Road closures and damage reported

As of Friday, officials reported the following problem areas:

• Cowboy Trail (246): Culvert and headwall washed out
• White Cliff Drive: Culvert washed out
• Zion Hill Road: Bridge washed out at the end of the road
• Conasauga Road and Shakerag Road: Road washed out
• Bushy Head Road: Culvert washed out
• Rodgers Creek Road at Candy Lane: Culvert washed out
• John Waters Road: Culvert washed out
• Lucius Road: Washout at pipe
• Goose Island Road: Tree debris
• Harper Valley Road: Pipe washed out
• West Mountaintown Trail: Culvert washed out
• Rock Creek Road: Culverts clogged
• Chopped Oak Road: Road damaged by runoff
• Gates Chapel Road at Hills Lake Road: Culvert clogged
• Old Flat Branch Road at Scott Hollow Road: Culvert washed out on the right side with erosion underneath
• Parks Road: Washout at culvert
• Flag Pole Road at Chopped Oak Road: Culvert clogged
• Dale Valley Lane: Gravel needed

Officials stressed that those are reported problem areas and not necessarily a complete list of all roads affected by the flooding.

Drivers should not attempt to cross standing or moving water, washed-out sections of road, or barricades. Officials warn that some erosion can extend underneath pavement, meaning damage may not always be visible.

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• McCaysville residents recall frightening flash flood and rescue: “I thought, ‘Oh my Lord’”
• Why McCaysville saw major flooding again

The Gilmer County Road Department and Gilmer County Emergency Management Agency continue working to identify hazardous areas and make repairs.

Residents are being asked to give crews room to work and use alternate routes where necessary.

Anyone who encounters an emergency should call 911. Hazardous road conditions can be reported to Gilmer County Dispatch at 706-635-8911.