Water rescues, evacuations underway as ‘catastrophic flood event’ hits North Georgia and southern Tennessee
Swift-water teams evacuated stranded residents as floodwaters swamped homes and roads, and officials said the city remained closed to unauthorized personnel.
- 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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53 Articles
Santa Maria Times
The RecordHeavy rains cause flash flooding on Georgia-Tennessee border, forcing water rescues and evacuations
Thunderstorms with heavy rain have caused severe flooding in twin cities along the Georgia-Tennessee border. The National Weather Service reports that 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The flooding…
Heavy rains cause flash flooding on Georgia-Tennessee border, forcing
McCAYSVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flooding in twin cities along the border between Georgia and Tennessee overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with dangerous conditions making water rescues difficult. In north-central Georgia, the National Weather
Heavy rains cause flash flooding in north Georgia, forcing water rescues and evacuations – WTOP News
McCAYSVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flash flooding in parts of north Georgia overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with dangerous conditions making water rescues difficult. In north-central Georgia, the National Weather Service said Thursday morning that thunderstorms had dropped 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) of rain in McCaysville, causing life-threatening...
WSMV Nashville
Flooding prompts state of emergency in Georgia as crews conduct more than 30 rescues
Flooding across north Georgia prompted a state of emergency, more than 30 water rescues and evacuation efforts in affected communities.
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.
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