Statement From Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Director Shawn Rogers Concerning Flood Potential For Weiss Lake

We have received several calls of concern in reference to the current levels of Weiss Lake and the potential for it to flood. I have been in contact with the US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama about the possibility of flooding over the next few days. NWS-Birmingham has been in contact with Alabama Power who is going to start releasing water today in an attempt to mitigate the flooding threat.

I need everyone to pay attention and understand there will be some flooding issue around the lake due to poor drainage, low lying, and flood prone areas. The water has no where to go due to the ground already being saturated and the water levels already being elevated. We have 3 main sources feeding our lake with those being the Coosa River, the Chattooga River, and Little River.

We also have several creeks and streams that run into Weiss Lake. The crest level at the Weiss Dam is not an accurate measurement of what the actual lake level is. The level at the Dam is generally 1.5 – 3 feet lower than what the lake is with the lake levels fluctuating depending on the area. With that being said, attached is current levels at Weiss Dam, Coosa River at Plant Hammond in Coosa, and the Chattooga River in Summerville.

As you will notice the Chattooga River is almost in minor flood stage and the Coosa at Plant Hammond is expected to enter minor flood stage later this afternoon. Everyone with property on or around the lake needs to keep a check on your valuables and take the necessary precautions to protect your property and valuables from damage caused by flooding. If you experience flooding issues please let us know.

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