Athens waking up to widespread flooding

Water overflows Wednesday morning from Trail Creek onto the roadway at Branch and South Poplar streets (Photo by Mandy King)

By Joe Johnson

Athens was inundated with rain throughout Tuesday night that caused widespread localized flooding, a trend that is expected to continue with the National Weather Service forecasting scattered thunderstorms into Wednesday afternoon.

The NWS issued a flood watch for the Athens area that is expected to expire sometime before 2 p.m.

"ACCPD has received numerous reports of standing water throughout the county. Some roads may not be passable. Please use caution," the Athens-Clarke County Police Department posted on its Facebook page at about 8 a.m.

Despite the flooding, ACCPD spokesman Lt, Shaun Barnett said there have been no major weather related incidents reported.

Water overflowing from Trail Creek covers the area around the Chicopee Complex in east Athens (Photo by Mandy King)

"Nothing other than some road closures and stalled vehicles," he said.

At 9:48 a.m., the county issued an advisory that Charlie Bolton Road will be closed for several days due to flood damage between Smithonia and Lem Edwards roads.

The Middle Oconee River is swollen from rain water as it flows through Ben Burton Park (Photo by Mandy King)

Additionally, Olympic Drive from Hancock Industrial Way to Athena Drive will likely be closed for several days due to flood damage, according to ACCPD.

A car gets swallowed up by a flood-damaged section of Olympic Drive (Photos by the Athens -Clarke County Police Department)