Flash flooding hit two cities along the Georgia–Tennessee border on Thursday after overnight rain, prompting emergency declarations in some counties in both states.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for four counties—Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union—to support response efforts after the flash floods.
“As emergency personnel continue to respond, this will ensure all necessary resources are available to assist these communities impacted by the flooding,” Kemp said in a post on X.
More than 80 people have been rescued amid flooding in Fannin County, up from the initial count of 57 reported by the county’s emergency management agency.
The agency said 13 swift-water rescue teams were deployed to assist with rescue operations. People were urged to avoid unnecessary travel as some roads remain flooded and damaged.
A state of emergency has been declared in McCaysville, Fannin County, with the city closing down until further notice, McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said in a Nov. 5 social media post.
In a later update, Earley said the city would impose a mandatory curfew daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to extensive flood damage. The curfew will remain in place until further notice, he said.
Earley said the measures were intended to protect public safety, safeguard damaged and affected properties, prevent unauthorized access, and allow emergency personnel and recovery crews to carry out their responsibilities safely and efficiently.
Floodwaters have receded in northwest Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ latest update. The department said most structures have been cleared but added that people should continue to follow guidance from local emergency officials.
Emergency Center Active
Tennessee’s Polk County also declared a state of emergency. The Tennessee Emergency Management Authority said on Thursday that the state emergency operations center in Nashville remained activated at a Level 4 to support flash flood response efforts.
Flash flooding predominantly hit the city of Copperhill, Tennessee, after 8 to 10 inches of rain fell overnight across parts of the watershed that drains into Polk County, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority. The Ocoee River crested at a record 18.05 feet before falling below action stage at 11 a.m. on Thursday, it stated.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and National Guard have conducted 68 rescues to date. Authorities said emergency service coordinators will monitor the situation and are ready to assist local jurisdictions with response efforts.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Authority advised residents to follow instructions from local officials and prepare for any possible evacuation.
The storms dropped heavy rain across a mountainous area that drains into the Toccoa River between McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, causing life-threatening flooding on both sides. The Toccoa then flows into the Ocoee River, where the Tennessee Valley Authority was managing high water levels at three of its hydroelectric dams.
As much as 8 to 10 inches fell overnight between the north Georgia towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay, and runoff from uncontrolled streams swelled the rivers below, according to the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
