Flash Flood Emergency Tennessee: Rescues Underway Along Georgia Border

A flash flood emergency Tennessee residents faced early Thursday, November 5, after torrential overnight rain caused record river flooding along the Georgia border. The flooding hit Copperhill and McCaysville, triggering evacuations, aerial rescues and widespread damage to homes and businesses.

Flash flood emergency Tennessee

📌 At a Glance: Tennessee-Georgia Flash Flood Emergency

• Rainfall Total: 8 to 11 inches overnight

• Ocoee River Crest: 18.05 feet (surpassing the historic 1990 record)

• Impact Zones: McCaysville (GA) and Copperhill (TN)

• Emergency Status: State of Emergency declared; dozens of aerial and water rescues executed.

Flash Flood Emergency Tennessee Hits Georgia Border 

The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Emergencies for Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, after heavy rainfall caused rivers and creeks to overflow. 

The two hardest-hit communities, Copperhill and McCaysville, sit on opposite sides of the Toccoa River, which becomes the Ocoee River as it flows into Tennessee.

Rainfall estimates varied across the region. 

Radar indicated more than 6 inches fell in a concentrated area between McCaysville and Blue Ridge, Georgia, while the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reported overnight totals of 8 to 10 inches between Blue Ridge and Ellijay.

The heavy rain sent the Toccoa River to a record crest of approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) early Thursday, according to a gauge in Copperhill. 

This was about 2 feet above the level forecasters consider catastrophic, when bridges can become submerged and communities may be cut off.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties to support response efforts. 

Meanwhile, Copperhill officials closed the city and urged residents to stay away from downtown and areas near the river.

Water and Aerial Rescues Underway as Floodwaters Rise

Rapidly rising water left residents trapped inside homes and buildings, with some structures submerged nearly to their rooftops. 

Emergency crews used boats and motorized rafts to reach people stranded in flooded neighborhoods and downtown streets.

Swift-water rescue teams rescued at least 57 people in Fannin County, Georgia. 

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) also reported coordinating 68 rescues by swift-water teams.

Rescue teams used boats to reach people stranded in flooded areas (Photo: WSOC-TV )

Aerial support played an important role in the response. Helicopters and drones were used to survey flooded areas and identify residents who might still need assistance. 

Tennessee emergency personnel also deployed aerial search and rescue teams to reach isolated locations.

The flooding disrupted communications and power in McCaysville, making rescue operations more difficult. 

One firefighter suffered a minor injury, while several residents received treatment for suspected hypothermia and shock.

Although rescue calls slowed as water levels began to fall Thursday, officials warned residents not to assume the danger had passed. Floodwaters and debris could remain hazardous even after rainfall stopped.

Track precipitation and changing weather conditions around McCaysville, Georgia.

Historic Flooding Damages Homes and Businesses

As floodwaters receded Thursday afternoon, residents returned to find damaged buildings, scattered belongings and streets covered in mud and debris. 

Water reached approximately 6 to 7 feet in downtown McCaysville, while some buildings were submerged up to their rooftops.

Severe flooding caused damage to buildings and stores (Photo: Emilie Megnien/AP)

Local businesses suffered significant losses. 

Hugh Rogers, owner of McCaysville Drug & Gun, estimated that flooding destroyed between $200,000 and $300,000 worth of inventory. 

Water inside the store reached approximately 4 to 5 feet, damaging shelves and merchandise.

Critical infrastructure was also affected. The flooding shut down McCaysville's water treatment plant, prompting a boil-water advisory. 

Power and cellphone outages further disrupted local services, while damaged roads and inaccessible equipment slowed cleanup efforts.

A local church, First Baptist Church in McCaysville, also sustained flood damage, adding to the losses faced by the community.

By Thursday afternoon, cleanup crews were clearing mud and branches from roads as residents began assessing the damage. 

However, officials continued urging people to avoid flooded areas and follow local safety instructions as recovery operations moved forward.

References

1. FOX Weather

2. WSMV

3. Biblical Recorder

4. ABC News

5. AP News