Water rescues, evacuations underway as ‘catastrophic flood event’ hits North Georgia and southern Tennessee
Dozens were rescued as floodwaters rose above rooftops and damaged downtown businesses, with officials estimating $1.25 million in losses.
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, McCaysville officials declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations for West and East Tennessee Avenue after torrential overnight rainfall triggered catastrophic flash flooding. Police Chief Michael Earley restricted city access to authorized personnel only.
- Historic flooding developed after overnight storms dropped up to 6 inches of rain in six hours, sending the Toccoa River cresting just above its 1990 record near the Georgia-Tennessee border. This volume represents a 1-in-200-year rainfall event with only 0.5% annual probability.
- Emergency crews conducted more than 30 rescues overnight as Earley reported water levels reached 6 to 7 feet in downtown McCaysville, submerging vehicles and surrounding homes. Several local businesses sustained significant damage from rising floodwaters.
- Major access points including Blue Ridge Drive and Highway 68 remain closed to prevent traffic risks, while Fannin County Emergency Management opened a shelter at the Fannin County Recreation Center for displaced residents.
- Dangerous river flooding remains a threat throughout the day, the National Weather Service warned, noting that conditions can continue to worsen even after the rain has stopped. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground.
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McCAYSVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Thunderstorms caused record flooding overnight in twin towns straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border, submerging some buildings to their rooflines on Thursday as...
Ottumwa Courier
Heavy rains flood towns, dozens rescued on Georgia-Tennessee border
Thunderstorms have caused record flooding in two towns straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border. The Tennessee Valley Authority says as much as 8 to 10 inches of rain fell overnight in a mountainous area where the Toccoa River flows between McCaysville, Georgia,…
McCaysville flooding: Record river levels prompt rescues - 41NBC News
McCAYSVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Thunderstorms caused record flooding overnight in twin towns straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border, submerging some buildings to their rooflines on Thursday as emergency responders rescued dozens of people. The storms dropped heavy rain across a mountainous area causing flooding on the Toccoa River between McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, causing life-threatening flooding on both sides. The Toccoa...
Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Emergency Across Southern States as Storm Moves East
Internewscast Internewscast Torrential rain sparked Flash Flood Emergencies in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin… This Post: Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Emergency Across Southern States as Storm Moves East first appeared on Internewscast
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