Water rescues, evacuations underway as ‘catastrophic flood event’ hits North Georgia and southern Tennessee
Swift-water crews rescued at least 30 people as floodwaters submerged homes, businesses and roads and forced citywide closures, officials said.
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, historic flooding devastated McCaysville, Georgia, after torrential overnight rainfall sent the Toccoa River surging over its banks. Officials declared a state of emergency and closed city entrances to unauthorized personnel.
- Widespread rainfall totals reached 3 to 6 inches across North Georgia, with isolated spots receiving over 8 inches, creating a 1-in-200-year event with only a 0.5% chance of occurring annually. Runoff is now draining into local rivers.
- Emergency crews performed at least 30 rescues as residents became trapped in homes and vehicles. Police closed access points including River Road, Mobile Road, Blue Ridge Drive, and Highway 68 to prevent further danger.
- McCaysville Public Safety Director and Police Chief Michael Otis Earley ordered immediate evacuations, warning: "DO NOT DELAY YOUR EVACUATION. LEAVE THE AREA NOW." Displaced residents can access an emergency shelter at the Fannin County Recreation Center on Tom Boyd Road.
- The Toccoa River crested just above the previous 1990 record after 6 a.m. Thursday, surpassing levels for a "catastrophic flood event." Although rain has ended across the region, officials warn dangerous river flooding remains a threat throughout the day.
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Crews work to reach stranded residents as McCaysville declares flooding emergency
McCaysville officials have declared a state of emergency and closed all city zahcououa as severe flooding forces residents from their homes and rescue crews respond across Fannin County.
'Catastrophic flood event’ hits Georgia and Tennessee, water rescues and evacuations underway
Homes are flooded and water rescues and evacuations are in progress as flash flood emergencies — the highest level of flood warning — impact North Georgia and southern Tennessee.
Water rescues, evacuations underway as ‘catastrophic flood event’ hits North Georgia and southern Tennessee
By Meteorologist Chris Dolce, CNN (CNN) — Homes are flooded and water rescues and evacuations are in progress as flash flood emergencies — the highest level of flood warning — impact North Georgia and southern Tennessee.The flash flood emergencies are in effect for McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, on the Georgia-Tennessee border.Record flooding is ongoing
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