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Heavy Rains Cause Record Flooding in Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns, Dozens Rescued

Heavy Rains Cause Record Flooding in Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns, Dozens Rescued

Record flooding occurred in the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, due to heavy overnight rains. The storms caused the Toccoa River to swell, reaching a record high of 18 feet in Copperhill, 2 feet above what forecasters consider 'catastrophic.' Some buildings were submerged to their rooflines, and emergency responders rescued at least 57 people in Georgia and 68 in Tennessee using swift water teams. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley reported that the water reached 6-7 feet high in the downtown area, with one police car floating down the river. The flooding also led to cellphone and power outages, shut down McCaysville's water treatment plant, and prompted a boil water advisory. Residents returned to find significant debris and ruined businesses, with one store owner estimating $200,000 to $300,000 in inventory damage.

Heavy rains flood towns, dozens rescued on Georgia-Tennessee border

Heavy rains flood towns, dozens rescued on Georgia-Tennessee border

Thunderstorms have caused record flooding in two towns straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border

Flash Flood Emergency Declared Along Georgia-Tennessee Border, Leading to Multiple Rescues and Record River Levels

Flash Flood Emergency Declared Along Georgia-Tennessee Border, Leading to Multiple Rescues and Record River Levels

A Flash Flood Emergency was declared across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, following torrential rain. This severe weather event, which occurred early Thursday, caused rivers and creeks to overflow their banks, leading to widespread flooding in communities such as McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Authorities reported that at least 45 people have been rescued in McCaysville, Georgia. The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee reached major flood stages, with the Toccoa River cresting at a new record of over 18 feet after receiving 5-8 inches of rain within a 12-hour period. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed that a multi-agency and multi-state response is underway, involving swiftwater and helicopter rescue teams from both Tennessee and Georgia. The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency, and residents in some neighborhoods were forced to evacuate. One firefighter sustained minor injuries after a propane tank exploded outside a business in ...

Record Flooding Hits Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns, Prompting Dozens of Rescues

Record Flooding Hits Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns, Prompting Dozens of Rescues

Heavy thunderstorms caused record-breaking flash flooding overnight in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, twin towns situated on the state border. The Toccoa River, which flows between the two communities, swelled to a record high of 18 feet, exceeding the catastrophic flood level by 2 feet. This deluge, with some areas receiving 8 to 10 inches of rain, submerged buildings up to their rooflines in parts of downtown McCaysville and Copperhill. Emergency responders conducted at least 57 swift water rescues in Georgia and 68 in Tennessee, evacuating dozens of residents from homes and businesses. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley reported that one police car was swept away by the floodwaters. The flooding also led to power and cellphone outages, the shutdown of McCaysville's water treatment plant, and a boil water advisory. This event marks the second significant flood for McCaysville in three months, with the downtown area having been inundated in August as well.

Flash Flood Emergency Declared Along Georgia-Tennessee Border Amid Record River Levels

Flash Flood Emergency Declared Along Georgia-Tennessee Border Amid Record River Levels

Torrential rains have triggered Flash Flood Emergencies in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, along the state line. The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee surged to record levels, exceeding 18 feet after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell within 12 hours. The flooding has caused widespread damage, including fires in six buildings, one of which involved a propane tank explosion in McCaysville, Georgia. Emergency services have rescued at least 80 people in Fannin County and 68 in Polk County. Both states have declared states of emergency, and multi-agency responses are underway. Emergency shelters have been set up, and residents in affected areas have been evacuated.

Georgia Governor Declares State of Emergency in Four Counties Following Record Flooding

Georgia Governor Declares State of Emergency in Four Counties Following Record Flooding

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties in North Georgia. This declaration comes after severe overnight flash flooding swamped business districts, damaged roads, and necessitated dozens of resident evacuations. The Toccoa River, which flows into Tennessee as the Ocoee River, rose approximately 16 feet in 12 hours, reaching a record crest of about 18 feet, surpassing a historical high set in February 1990. The twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, located in a low river basin surrounded by mountains, experienced rapid runoff that overwhelmed the river channel. This led to widespread flooding, with water spreading hundreds of yards beyond the banks, washing out culverts, and causing significant structural damage. Residents in areas like Fightingtown Creek in Copperhill reported escaping through six feet of water as furniture floated inside their homes. First responders, including swift-water rescue teams and U.S. Ar...

Flash Flooding Hits Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns

Flash Flooding Hits Georgia-Tennessee Border Towns

Severe thunderstorms caused record flooding overnight in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, as the Toccoa River surged to a historic high of 18 feet (5.5 meters). Heavy rainfall, measuring 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm), overwhelmed the area, submerging buildings and prompting emergency rescues. The flooding has disrupted transportation, shut down the McCaysville water treatment plant, and left many residents stranded. Emergency responders are conducting rescues and damage assessments as water levels begin to recede.

Record Flash Flooding Hits Northern Georgia and Southern Tennessee

Record Flash Flooding Hits Northern Georgia and Southern Tennessee

Torrential rain over the southern Appalachians on the night of 4th November 2026 caused record-breaking flash flooding in northern Georgia and southern Tennessee. The towns of McCaysville and Copperhill, located on the Georgia-Tennessee border, were among the hardest hit. Rainfall rates reached 2 to 3 inches per hour, with total accumulations of 5 to 11 inches in some areas. The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency early on 5th November, warning of life-threatening flooding and catastrophic damage. The Toccoa River overflowed, flooding homes and businesses and prompting emergency rescues.

Severe Flooding in McCaysville Prompts State of Emergency and Evacuations

Severe Flooding in McCaysville Prompts State of Emergency and Evacuations

The city of McCaysville, located in Fannin County, Georgia, has declared a state of emergency following severe flooding caused by 6 to 10 inches of overnight rainfall. The flooding has inundated multiple homes and businesses, with some areas completely surrounded by water. The Toccoa River, also known as the Ocoee River in Tennessee, reached a record level of 18.05 feet, surpassing the major flood threshold of 14 feet. Swift-water rescue teams have evacuated 57 residents, and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced families. The flooding has also caused power outages, water system failures, and road closures, including Blue Ridge Drive and the Steel Bridge. A mandatory curfew is in place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in affected areas to ensure public safety and facilitate recovery efforts.

Heavy rains trigger flash flooding on Georgia-Tennessee border

Heavy rains trigger flash flooding on Georgia-Tennessee border

Severe thunderstorms caused record-breaking flash flooding in areas along the Georgia-Tennessee border, particularly affecting the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Heavy rainfall, measuring between 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches), led to the Toccoa River reaching a record height of 18 feet (5.5 metres) on Thursday morning. The flooding submerged buildings, with water levels reaching up to rooftops in some areas. Emergency responders conducted over 30 water rescues overnight, using boats to navigate through the flooded streets. The flooding also disrupted the McCaysville water treatment plant, prompting a boil water advisory. The situation has been declared a state of emergency in McCaysville.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Responds to Historic Flash Flooding in Copper Basin Region

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Responds to Historic Flash Flooding in Copper Basin Region

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has addressed the crisis following historic flash flooding along the Ocoee River in the Copper Basin region. The river crested at an unprecedented 18.05 feet in Copperhill, leading to widespread damage including washed-out roads, closed bridges, and stranded residents. In response, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 4 to coordinate statewide resources. Emergency shelters have been established in the Copper Basin area to accommodate displaced individuals. The Tennessee National Guard has mobilized helicopters to conduct aerial rescues, pulling residents to safety from flood-affected areas. Local emergency teams, such as the Chattanooga Fire Department's Swiftwater Rescue Team, have also been deployed, successfully rescuing 11 people and two dogs from the floodwaters. Governor Lee has called for prayers for those impacted and pledged full state support for rescue and response efforts, maintaining close contact ...

Governor Kemp Declares State of Emergency in North Georgia Due to Severe Flooding

Governor Kemp Declares State of Emergency in North Georgia Due to Severe Flooding

On Thursday, Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties in north Georgia following severe flash flood emergencies. This declaration ensures that all necessary resources are available to assist the communities impacted by the flooding. The state of emergency activates the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan and the Georgia State Operations Plan, enabling authorities to take actions to address power outages and prohibit price gouging. Over a foot of rain fell in some areas along the Georgia-Tennessee border this week, according to AccuWeather. The Toccoa River rose more than 15 feet overnight, surpassing a record set in 1990. A UGA weather station in Blue Ridge recorded 11.9 inches of rain in approximately five hours, while another station in Cherry Log reported 14.4 inches. The city of McCaysville was closed, with residents ordered to evacuate, and over 80 people have reportedly been rescued.