North Georgia floods: What the State of Emergency means for impacted counties

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for four north Georgia counties hit by catastrophic flooding.

The governor’s executive order covers Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties. The flooding across the region destroyed homes, damaged roads and prompted many residents to be evacuated.

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Most of the evacuations happened in McCaysville located along the Toccoa River. Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz says the river peaked at an all-time record high level of 18.05 feet. The previous record was 17.75 feet set during the historic flood in 1990.

The floodwaters have mainly receded, but now the cleanup begins.

What does the state of emergency do?

Essentially, the order makes all state resources available in the recovery efforts in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency can activate its emergency operations center. That will allow state agencies to better coordinate response efforts in the area.

The executive order also prohibits price gouging for water, fuel and other necessary products.

“As emergency personnel continue to respond, this will ensure all necessary resources are available to assist these communities impacted by the flooding,” Kemp said.

How long will the state of emergency last?

The state of emergency will last until Thursday, Nov. 12 at 11:59 p.m.

Gov. Kemp does have the option to renew the state of emergency.

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