Gilmer County Emergency Management

05/28/2026

ATLANTA — While much of Georgia remains in an extreme drought, there has been significant improvement in the severity of the drought overall across the state.

Last week, nearly 80% of the state was still in extreme or exceptional drought. That number has dropped to 56%, according to the new drought report.

05/27/2026

It's now okay to stop praying for rain...

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

...FLOOD WATCH EXTENDED THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of north central, northeast, northwest, and west
central Georgia.

* WHEN...Through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected to move across the area
through late Tuesday. An anomalously moist environment will
persist over north Georgia, resulting in high rain rates
(2"+/hour) and increased chances for flash flooding. Convective
rainfall (showers and thunderstorms) may repeatedly train over
areas, and have locally high enough rainfall rates to induce
flash flooding in urban areas and areas with poor drainage, as
well as creeks and streams prone to flash flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

05/25/2026

Gilmer County Emergency Management honors our fallen...

05/24/2026

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHEN...Through late Monday night.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected to move across portions of north Georgia this afternoon through Monday evening. An anomalously elevated moisture environment exists over north Georgia which has resulted in high rain rates (2"+/hour) that are expected to continue through Monday night which will lead to an increased chance for flash flooding. Convective rainfall (showers and thunderstorms) may repeatedly train over areas, and have locally high enough rainfall rates to induce flash flooding in poor drainage and urban areas, as well as creeks and streams prone to flash flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Please take extra caution if participating in outdoor activities near bodies of water.

05/22/2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for North and Central Georgia.
DAY ONE...Today and Tonight...

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected today with the highest coverage during the afternoon and evening hours. A few storms could become strong to severe bringing the risk for strong wind gusts and frequent lightning.

Additionally, locally heavy rainfall can be expected, which could
lead to localized flash flooding concerns.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday...

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected Saturday through Thursday, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, which will bring the risk for locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. A few storms could become severe.

05/18/2026

We are proud to share with you our recent joint project with the Ellijay Amateur Radio Society (EARS).

On April 18 we partnered with EARS in an exercise to map out county-wide radio coverage using HAM frequencies as an extension of our existing communications capability. The exercise was a huge success in helping both EARS and Gilmer Emergency Management finetune county radio coverage.

On May 14 we were pleased to present Certificates of Appreciation to those EARS members who participated in the exercise. Pictured below is Emergency Management Coordinator, James Hardcastle, presenting the certificates to a few of the participants (all of whom were not present at this meeting).

We extend our sincere Thank You to the entire EARS organization for this partnership in our mutual efforts to better serve the citizens of Gilmer County.

Randy Russo (KK4NEJ)
Gene Maulucci (KQ4TNS)
Wayne Phillips (KK4SYD)
Bill Hall (K9HRO)
Larry Weeks (KQ4UBX)
Kenny Clark (KC4AX)

05/18/2026

This EMS Week, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you to the paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, firefighters, nurses, supervisors, educators, mechanics, support staff, and every person behind the scenes who answers the call when someone’s worst day becomes your responsibility.

People see the lights and sirens, but they don’t always see the sacrifices behind them.

The missed holidays.

The sleepless nights.

The meals that go cold.

The emotional weight carried home after difficult calls.

The moments you hold together for complete strangers while quietly carrying your own burdens.

EMS is more than a profession. It is a commitment to service, compassion, and showing up when others cannot.

This week is a reminder that what you do matters. Every life touched, every family comforted, and every patient cared for with dignity leaves an impact far beyond what you may ever hear about again.

To those still answering calls at 3 a.m., still mentoring the next generation, still giving everything they have to their communities despite the challenges facing EMS today… you are appreciated more than words can properly express.

Take pride in the difference you make every single day.

From all of us at Gilmer Fire/Rescue, Happy EMS Week to all of our brothers and sisters in public safety and healthcare.

Stay safe, take care of each other, and never forget the value of the work you do.