Flooding prompts state of emergency in Georgia as crews conduct more than 40 rescues

MCCAYSVILLE, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) — Flash flooding prompted a state of emergency in McCaysville, Georgia, and flash flood warnings in several other cities in north Georgia on Thursday.

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.

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 Toccoa River reached a record high Thursday morning of 18 feet, according to a river gauge in Copperhill.

More than 40 water rescues were undertaken by emergency personnel manning boats, according to McCaysville police Chief Michael Earley.

“I’ve never seen flooding like this in my life,” Earley said. “I have one of my police cars that’s floating down the river right now. Don’t know where it’s at, but it’s somewhere down there.”

Earley said the water in some areas downtown is 6 to 7 feet high.

“Anybody who’s willing to help, we’re asking for help,” he said.

Chatsworth, Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Georgia, received flash flood warnings until 7 a.m. The National Weather Service put McCaysville under a flash flood emergency until 9 a.m.

The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency advised residents to stay off the roads due to dangerous floodwaters.

“We still have numerous residents who need to be evacuated, including some in areas that emergency crews are currently unable to access or reach due to flooding and dangerous conditions,” the agency said.

Robert Poole, spokesperson for the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency on the Georgia side, estimated that about 20 people had been rescued, with no reported injuries or deaths. The water had begun receding by late Thursday morning, he said.

The downtown areas of McCaysville and Copperhill are a tourist destination for scenic railroad rides on the Blue Ridge Railway and Copperhill Special.