By Salma El-Sakka
Severe storms brought heavy rain and flash flooding to communities along the Georgia-Tennessee border late Wednesday into Thursday, forcing dozens of rescues and prompting emergency declarations.
Record Rainfall and Life-Threatening Conditions
McCaysville, Georgia, received up to five inches (13 cm) of rain by Thursday morning, triggering life-threatening flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The town sits across the Toccoa River from Copperhill, Tennessee. The NWS issued a flash flood warning until mid-morning Thursday, urging residents to seek higher ground immediately and avoid flooded roads.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operations
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced a multi-agency response led by the state emergency management agency, utilizing aviation and boat assets alongside local and Tennessee first responders. By mid-morning, more than 30 people had been rescued by boat, McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said, describing water levels of six to seven feet in some areas. Later reports placed the rescue count above 50.
Ongoing Hazards and Precautions
Emergency officials warned that floodwaters remain extremely dangerous even after rain stops, and conditions can worsen. A boil water advisory was issued for McCaysville. Game wardens from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources assisted search-and-rescue operations in Fannin and Murray counties. Schools in Fannin and Gilmer counties closed Thursday due to hazardous roads. In Copperhill, Tennessee, city officials issued evacuation warnings for some residents early Thursday.
