Border towns in Georgia and Tennessee face life-threatening floods
Three to five inches of rain turned streets into rivers, forcing 30 water rescues and trapping residents in small communities.
By Michael Bennett ·
Heavy thunderstorms flooded the Georgia-Tennessee border overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
The National Weather Service reported that McCaysville, Georgia, received between three and five inches of rain. This precipitation caused dangerous conditions along the Toccoa River, which separates McCaysville from Copperhill, Tennessee. Flash flood warnings remained active in both areas as of Thursday morning. Video footage posted online showed commercial streets in the twin cities submerged in water.
McCaysville has a population of roughly 1,000 people. Copperhill is smaller, with fewer than 500 residents. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley stated that officers conducted more than 30 rescues during the night. He noted that water rose above the roofs of some houses. Rescue boats struggled to move through the fast-moving currents.
The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency deployed swift water rescue teams to evacuate residents. However, many people remained stranded in locations where crews could not safely reach them due to hazardous conditions. The agency did not release a total count of affected individuals or report any specific injuries. The agency warned on social media that stopping rain does not guarantee safety. It noted that floodwaters remain extremely dangerous and conditions can worsen even after the storm passes.
Officials maintained flash flood warnings for the region. Emergency services continued to monitor water levels along the Toccoa River. Residents in McCaysville and Copperhill were advised to stay cautious.
