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.