By Fatma Younis
Catastrophic flooding has forced the closure of two cities on the Georgia-Tennessee border after 6 to 9 inches of rain fell overnight, pushing the Ocoee River to a record crest of 18.05 feet early Thursday. The river's previous record of 17.8 feet was set on February 16, 1990; its normal level is about 2.5 feet.
Cities shut down, evacuations ordered
McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, have both closed their cities, ordering residents to evacuate and stay out. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley declared a state of emergency Thursday morning, urging everyone to stay away and not attempt to enter the city, bypass barricades, or interfere with emergency operations. Streets in downtown Copperhill were flooded just after 2 a.m., and bridges connecting the two towns remain closed. Shelters have been opened at both city halls.
Rapid rise and ongoing rescues
The Ocoee River rose 14 feet in seven and a half hours, climbing from 4 feet at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to 16 feet at 4:30 a.m. Thursday and reaching 18 feet by 6 a.m. A flash flood emergency was declared at 4 a.m. for Polk County in southeast Tennessee, with a considerable flash flood warning for multiple counties in north-central Georgia. By 11:30 a.m., the river had dropped below 10 feet into minor flood stage and was expected to fall below flood stage by afternoon.
First responders have conducted 30 to 40 rescues, including people from rooftops. Rescue teams are actively trying to reach a 90-year-old woman stranded on her kitchen table. A firefighter was injured but is expected to recover, and a few other people were taken to the hospital with no major injuries reported. A Blackhawk helicopter is assisting in searching inaccessible areas.
Widespread damage and infrastructure loss
Government buildings, shops, and homes have been lost to the flooding. Vehicles, debris, and even a police car were seen floating downstream. Cell phone communications, power, and the water plant are all down in McCaysville. The McCaysville Water System is under a boil water advisory until further notice, according to the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency. Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens are assisting state and local first responders in Fannin and Murray counties.
