National Weather Service wind forecast ahead of Hurricane Zeta.Trees falling or large limbs breaking off are common occurrences during storm events.
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GAINESVILLE, GA – The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is closing several low-lying recreation sites in the predicted path of Hurricane Zeta beginning today, Wednesday, October 28. The sites will remain closed until the storm passes and sites are safe for visitors. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for areas of the national forest.
Our highest priorities are visitor and employee safety. The Forest Service is advising visitors to avoid the forest during hazardous weather for personal safety and to prevent further stress on emergency responders who may not be able to quickly respond to emergencies because of conditions that limit access or create safety hazards.
Low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to rapidly rising and swift water. These areas should be avoided during and after major storm events. Excessive rain and high winds have the potential to create high water, flash floods, falling trees, mudslides, and severe damage to roads.
Our national forests are heavily wooded, remote and mountainous, making the potential for hazardous conditions significant. Trees falling or large limbs breaking off are common occurrences during storm events. The Forest Service is advising hikers to stay off trails for personal safety and to avoid further stress on local emergency responders who very likely will not be able to respond to trail emergencies because of unsafe and inaccessible conditions due to the forecasted weather. This includes hikers on the Appalachian Trail, where forecasts predict high winds on the mountain ridges and flash flooding at water crossings.
Temporarily Closed Sites (subject to change):
Forest System Roads: (Rabun, White, Habersham, and White Counties)
Please visit the Recreation Condition Report to learn the current status for developed recreation sites: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation.
Remember, your safety is your responsibility. As always, please keep yourself, others and our responding personnel safe by making thoughtful decisions, staying aware of weather conditions, and heeding the advice of your local and state authorities.
Stay connected with us to view alerts related to possible hazards and additional closures on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests on Facebook and twitter @ChattOconeeNF and on our website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
Stay safe! We are thinking of you during this time, and appreciate your understanding.
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| Storm damage from Hurricane Delta on October 22, 2020, required the temporary closure of Panther Creek Trail on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. |
About the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
To receive instant alerts and updates on forest information, follow @ChattOconeeNF on Twitter and Facebook or visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
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