Experts warn Georgia is at risk for catastrophic flash flooding

Hydrologist points to Enchanted Valley and Chattahoochee River as areas of concern after deadly Texas floods

HELEN, Georgia (CNN) – In the wake of deadly flooding in Texas earlier this month, a leading hydrologist is warning that conditions in parts of Georgia could be ripe for a similarly devastating event.

On a clear day in the mountains of north Georgia, the Chattahoochee River may seem like an ideal escape. Locals and tourists alike enjoy “tubing the Hooch,” floating leisurely on its waters. But the same river that brings relaxation can also turn deadly in an instant.

Sixteen years ago, deadly flooding along the Chattahoochee left a lasting impact on Laura Belanger, now a senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Atlanta. The September 2009 floods in Georgia killed 10 people and inspired her to dedicate her career to improving flood warning systems.

“I am in the position I’m in today because of the September 2009 floods,” Belanger said, reflecting on how the disaster shaped her mission to better inform the public through alerts and warnings.

Tourist town depends on alerts, not sirens

In Helen, Ga., flash flood warnings are issued primarily through wireless emergency alerts and weather radios. Sirens are not used in mountainous areas like this, where they could create confusion during weather emergencies. In a flood, sirens might prompt residents to seek low ground—an action better suited for a tornado.

Despite the historical flood marker still visible in town, some residents may forget the risk. The water level reached 12 feet back in 1967. While recent weeks have included some swift water rescues, many locals and tourists no longer recall just how high the river can rise.

Reporter Bill Weir noted how the recent floods in Texas reminded him of a tsunami event in Japan, emphasizing how quickly conditions can escalate.

“When you’re watching tubers here, you can’t imagine that water turning deadly,” Weir said.

Enchanted Valley sits in harm’s way

Belanger is especially concerned about a nearby community called Enchanted Valley, where residents live in permanent trailers along the Hiwassee River. That area is located next to one of the “flashiest” river gauges in the nation—meaning water levels can rise and fall rapidly.

“So those are the places that keep me up at night,” Belanger said, citing the danger posed by people and property situated so close to the river.

A common misconception, Belanger noted, is how people interpret the “100-year floodplain.” She explained that a 100-year flood doesn’t mean safety for another century—it means there’s a one percent chance of that level of flooding happening in any given year.

“The biggest question we get is when we see a 100-year flood plain and maybe the water level has risen to this point and someone says, oh, thank goodness we don’t have to deal with this for 99 more years. And it happens,” she said.

Flood probability is increasing

Belanger concluded by noting that the mathematical model behind flood predictions is evolving as weather patterns shift.

“That math changes over time as you see flooding occur more frequently,” she said.