Flooding still a problem in area

Despite the fact that most of the region was rain free yesterday, the flooding continues to wreak havoc around swollen creeks, swift rivers, and rising lakes. Reports from the metro Atlanta area say that major interstate highways and byways are completely shut down due to standing water on those routes. Also, scattered reports of mudslides and bridges being swept away have also added to the problems. Paulding County authorities will be working extensively to repair the many roads that have been destroyed or heavily damaged from the torrential rains. Along with Paulding, Cobb, Douglas, and Carroll County school systems have been forced to call off school for the third day in a row today. Eastern Polk County also received some moderate flooding. Several streets in the Goodyear Village in Rockmart were covered with water as well as the Seaborn Jones Park receiving flooding from the cresting Euharlee Creek. Georgia Forestry officials are warning citizens that the saturated ground may seriously weaken tree root structures and cause some older trees to topple. The severe flooding in Georgia has claimed the lives of nine people. Governor Sonny Perdue has requested Federal aid after naming 17 counties as state disaster areas.