Severe storms that swept through Catoosa County late Tuesday triggered flash flooding that forced dozens of residents to evacuate their homes with the help of emergency responders and regional support agencies.
Several inches of rain fell in a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rapid flooding in residential areas, particularly in Fort Oglethorpe. The Catoosa County Fire Department activated all personnel, including specialized swift water rescue teams, who were dispatched to two apartment complexes to perform emergency evacuations.
At The Crossings apartments on Fant Drive, where water rose to waist-deep levels, about 80 residents were safely rescued from first-floor units. Another 35 residents were evacuated from the nearby Fountain Brooks apartments on Cross Street as rapidly rising water threatened their homes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the operations.
The large-scale response included mutual aid from Walker County Fire Rescue and staffing support from Whitfield County Fire Department, which temporarily manned Catoosa County fire stations during the emergency.
Catoosa County Transit/Trans-Aid helped transport evacuees to temporary shelters set up at the Constitution Hall and Westside Voting Precincts. The Northwest Georgia Red Cross is currently providing overnight shelter and support at the Catoosa Training Center Rifle Range, operated by the Tennessee Army National Guard near Ringgold.
Animal Control officers also stepped in, relocating pets from evacuated homes to the Catoosa County Animal Shelter while their owners remain in temporary housing.
The coordinated response included efforts from the Catoosa County Emergency Management Agency, E-911, CERT, Puckett EMS, Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Oglethorpe Police Department, and several other county departments.
At the peak of the storm, approximately 20 roads across Catoosa County were closed due to flooding and debris. Catoosa County Public Works crews are continuing overnight efforts to clear the roadways as water levels begin to recede.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and monitor local alerts as recovery efforts continue.
