Thousands remain without power after tornado warnings, severe storms hit North Georgia

Strong storms that moved across north Georgia Tuesday night left behind widespread flooding, power outages, washed-out roads and a boil water advisory after torrential rain overwhelmed parts of the region.

The National Weather Service issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and a pair of tornado warnings as storms moved through the area. In Gilmer County, what began as a severe thunderstorm quickly became one of the county's worst flash flooding events in recent years, according to the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued at 10:25 p.m. after the storm stalled over the county. Officials said a rain gauge in downtown Ellijay recorded 3.8 inches of rain in one hour, while the Gilmer County Emergency Operations Center measured an official storm total of 3.94 inches.

The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, road failures, power outages and damage across the county.

Thousands remain without power across North Georgia

As of Wednesday afternoon, thousands of customers remain without electricity across north Georgia, according to utility outage maps.

• White County: 1,159 customers without power
• DeKalb County: 1,128 customers without power
• Gilmer County: 976 customers without power
• Baker County: 901 customers without power

Gilmer County officials said power outages affected approximately 3,800 customers at the height of the storm before restoration efforts began.

Flash flooding washes out roads, floods nursing home in Gilmer County

Gilmer County officials reported extensive storm damage throughout the county.

Authorities said Gates Chapel Road at Zion Hill Road was catastrophically damaged and completely washed out.

Floodwaters also entered multiple buildings, including a local nursing home, forcing the relocation of 60 residents to safe shelter in another wing of the facility. Officials did not report any injuries.

Significant flooding was reported along Cox Creek, particularly in downtown Ellijay, where several low-lying roads and neighborhoods were inundated.

Boil water advisory remains in effect

Flooding also damaged a major water main along State Highway 52 West near Cox Creek, prompting the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water & Sewerage Authority to issue a boil water advisory for customers in the New Hope pressure zone.

Officials said storm washout damaged the water main, causing storage tank levels to drop and water pressure to fall to very low levels in parts of the system. The advisory took effect at 6 a.m. Wednesday and remains in effect until further notice.

Customers who experienced water outages or low water pressure are advised to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, cooking and preparing food.

The advisory affects portions of the New Hope service area, including:

• Vista Drive
• Westwood Drive and surrounding roads
• Old Tails Creek Road west of Westwood Drive
• Roberts Ridge Road
• Craigtown Road
• Highway 52 West west of Hancock Drive
• New Hope Road
• Tower Road
• Village Park Drive
• Highway 282 from Courier Street west to Pleasant Grove Church
• Evans Road
• Mountainview Drive
• Summit Drive and surrounding roads

Highway 52 West expected to remain closed for days

State Highway 52 West remains closed because of the water main break caused by flooding along Cox Creek.

According to the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia Department of Transportation estimates repairs could take three to four days, though that timeline could change as work continues.

Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area, expect delays and watch for emergency responders and utility crews working near the roadway.

Habersham County continues storm cleanup

Habersham County officials are continuing to respond to storm damage.

"We have received numerous reports of downed trees, several involving power lines and blocked roadways," Habersham County Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett told CBS News Atlanta. "We have also received a report of a tree on a home along Underwood Farm Road. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries in that incident."

Damage assessment teams are now working across Gilmer County. Officials are asking residents whose homes or businesses sustained significant storm damage to report it to county emergency management to assist with countywide damage assessments.

Crews from law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, public works, utilities and emergency management continued responding to flooded roads, damaged infrastructure and storm-related calls throughout Wednesday.