North Georgia flooding: More than 50 rescued from flood waters
Record flooding submerges homes in McCaysville
Historic flooding has devastated downtown McCaysville after the Toccoa River overflowed its banks, sending floodwaters reportedly reaching a record 18 feet into homes, businesses and streets. At least 30 people have been rescued, with emergency crews using boats to reach stranded residents and a Fannin County school bus transporting evacuees to a local recreation center.
MCCAYSVILLE, Ga. - 11:30 A.M. | Fannin County emergency officials say 57 people were rescued overnight as catastrophic flooding swept through McCaysville and surrounding communities. Robert Poole, spokesperson for Fannin County Emergency Management, said 13 swift-water rescue teams using nine boats carried out the rescues. No additional people are confirmed trapped, but crews may use helicopters and drones to search areas that remain inaccessible.
57 rescued as Fannin County crews battle floods and fires
Fannin County Emergency Management spokesperson Robert Poole says 57 people were rescued overnight by 13 swift-water rescue teams operating nine boats as catastrophic flooding swept through McCaysville and surrounding communities. Poole described how washed-out roads, rising water and floating debris complicated rescue operations while emergency crews simultaneously responded to six structure fires, including three reported within 10 minutes of each other.
Poole said emergency crews also responded to six structure fires, including three within 10 minutes of one another. Firefighters are dealing with a propane-related fire and water supply problems, prompting crews to pump water and bring in tankers. Washed-out roads and floating debris, including vehicles and propane tanks, have made rescue operations especially dangerous.
Although floodwaters are receding, Poole urged residents to avoid McCaysville and surrounding areas. He credited neighboring counties and states for providing critical assistance and advised anyone needing rescue to call 911 rather than attempting to cross floodwaters.
11:15 A.M. | McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said Thursday morning that approximately 46 people have been rescued following catastrophic flooding along the Toccoa River, but emergency crews are still searching homes for anyone who may be trapped or missing. Rescue teams are going door to door, using drones and a Black Hawk helicopter from Camp Frank D. Merrill to survey areas that remain inaccessible. Earley said the National Guard has not been activated. Although floodwaters are receding, some parts of the city remain unreachable, and officials do not know how many people may still need help.
The flooding has also caused major infrastructure failures. Earley said the city's water treatment plant is completely shut down, leaving it unable to produce water for a system serving nearly 4,000 customers, including a hospital and school. A boil-water notice has been issued, and officials do not know when service will be restored. Power and cellphone communications are also down. The city's public works garage, which houses dump trucks, tractors and other cleanup equipment, remains inaccessible, complicating recovery efforts.
Earley confirmed that a female firefighter was injured during the emergency response after experiencing leg pain and collapsing. He said several other people were taken to hospitals, apparently suffering from hypothermia or shock, but no major injuries had been reported. The chief described extensive damage to homes, businesses and government buildings, including the police departments and post office, which had reopened just last week following another flash flood in August. He said the latest flooding was far more destructive than the August disaster.
Emergency crews hope receding water will allow them to reach more neighborhoods by approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, although some roads have already begun reopening to emergency vehicles. McCaysville remains closed to unauthorized visitors until officials determine it is safe. Evacuated residents are being sheltered at the recreation center in Blue Ridge, and state and local agencies, including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and Georgia State Patrol, are assisting. Earley urged the public to stay away from the city while crews continue rescue operations and begin assessing the damage.
RAW: McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley gives update
McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley gave an update to the media on Thursday morning about the flooding conditions in McCaysville and what they are doing about it.
10:45 A.M. | A temporary flight restriction is in effect over the Fannin County and McCaysville area as emergency crews continue disaster relief operations following historic flooding.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office says the restriction applies to drones and manned aircraft, covering airspace from the surface to 5,000 feet above mean sea level. Pilots are prohibited from operating within the restricted area without specific authorization. Officials warn that unauthorized aircraft could interfere with rescue operations and endanger first responders and the public. Pilots can check the restriction's boundaries, effective times and updates through the Federal Aviation Administration's website.
10:30 A.M. | Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens are assisting state and local first responders and emergency personnel in Fannin and Murray counties following widespread flooding.
Courtesy of Fannin Emergency Management/Georgia Department of Natural Resources
10 A.M. | A propane tank that had been burning in downtown McCaysville exploded a short time ago. Fire crews were initially letting it burn itself off. Once it exploded, they moved in to put water on the fire.
Propane tank explodes in McCaysville
A propane tank behind a church in flood-ravaged McCaysville exploded four times Thursday morning, creating another dangerous situation as emergency crews continued responding to historic flooding. Firefighters initially planned to let the burning tank burn itself out but were forced to respond after multiple explosions, spraying water on the nearby church to prevent the building from catching fire. FOX 5 Atlanta's Marc Teichner reporting.
9 A.M. | A Boil Water Advisory has been issued from McCaysville, according to Fannin County Emergency Management Agency.
Additionally, they posted that the Fannin County Courthouse and Government Offices are closed today along with the Fannin County Superior Courts.
8:55 A.M. | Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has posted about the flooding situation in North Georgia. He says that Georgia Emergency Management Agency is leading the multi-agency response, including Georgia Department of Public Safety and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
8:30 A.M. | A propane could be seen burning in McCaysville. Police chief Mike Earley told the media that they rescued several people standing on roofs of their homes. Active rescues are still underway.
Propane tank catches fire amid historic McCaysville flooding
A propane tank caught fire in flood-ravaged McCaysville Thursday morning, creating another hazard for emergency crews responding to historic flooding along the Toccoa River. Officials moved people away from the area and planned to let the tank burn itself out. FOX 5 Atlanta's Marc Teichner reporting live from the scene.
8 A.M. | Not only is flooding impacting homes in the McCaysville area, but it has also hit multiple businesses.
Buck Bald Brewing posted around 8 a.m. that its Copperhill location will be closed for the "foreseeable future" as they wait for the floodwaters to recede and they can assess the damage.
7:30 A.M. | Floodwaters in downtown McCaysville have reportedly reached a record 18 feet as the overflowing Toccoa River continues to inundate homes and businesses. McCaysville's police chief said water was six to seven feet deep in parts of the downtown business district, with several areas experiencing flooding above rooftops. The chief also reported that one of his police cruisers had been swept away by the floodwaters.
At least 30 people have been rescued, and emergency crews continue using boats to check on stranded residents. Officials have also begun using a Fannin County school bus to transport rescued residents to a local recreation center serving as a shelter. No additional rescues had been reported in approximately an hour, but boats remained deployed throughout the flooded area.
Large debris, including propane tanks, has been spotted floating through downtown McCaysville. Elsewhere in the region, a complete washout on Lucius Road near Highway 76 in Cherry Log left a family stranded in their home. Schools in Fannin and Gilmer counties remain closed Thursday as emergency crews respond to the widespread flooding.
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7 A.M. | The Toccoa River is continuing to rise and has passed a record crest in McCaysville. As of approximately 7 a.m., it stood at 18.05 feet. The previous record was 17.75 feet in Feb. 16, 1990.
Rescues continue in McCaysville, people still trapped
Rescue crews from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina are responding to catastrophic flooding in McCaysville, where at least 30 people have been rescued and others remain trapped in their homes. Many evacuees have been taken to a local recreation center, while schools in Fannin and Gilmer counties are closed Thursday. Floodwaters have reached above rooftops in some areas, and additional washouts have closed roads near Cherry Log and Sugar Creek. Officials have not confirmed any injuries, but emergency crews continue searching for stranded residents as water levels rise. FOX 5 Altanta's Marc Teichner reporting from the scene.
6:30 A.M. | We are learning more about the devastating flooding in North Georgia, where rescue teams from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina are working to reach residents trapped in their homes.
At least 30 people have been rescued in McCaysville, with many taken to a local recreation center for shelter.
Schools in Fannin and Gilmer counties are closed Thursday because of the flooding.
Additional road closures have been reported, including Moorestown Road, which is closed because of a washout at Sugar Creek, and Lucius Road near Highway 76 in Cherry Log, where a complete washout left a family stranded in their home.
Emergency officials said floodwaters were continuing to rise, with some homes surrounded by water reaching above their rooftops. McCaysville's police chief said he was unaware of any confirmed injuries, although a woman was seen being placed into an ambulance. Her condition was not immediately known.
Updated rainfall totals indicate the storms produced record rainfall in parts of the region, although specific records were not provided.
30 water rescues so far in McCaysville area
t least 30 people have been rescued from their homes in McCaysville as devastating flooding continues across North Georgia Thursday morning. Police say floodwaters have reached above rooftops in some areas, with water levels reported near 16 feet.
6 A.M. | Fannin County Fire Rescue says it was fighting 4 fires at one time this morning as a result of the massive flooding. They also said that multiple roads were blocked with debris and mud.
ORIGINAL STORY
Emergency evacuations and swift-water rescues were underway early Thursday morning in parts of North Georgia after heavy overnight rainfall caused rivers and creeks to rise rapidly, flooding communities and leaving some residents trapped in their homes and vehicles.
Flash flooding triggers evacuations in North Georgia
Heavy overnight rain triggered dangerous flash flooding across parts of North Georgia early Thursday, Nov. 5, forcing evacuations in McCaysville and leaving residents trapped in homes and vehicles. Swift-water rescue teams were deployed, but mudslides complicated efforts to reach stranded residents. More than 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in parts of Gilmer and Fannin counties, sending runoff into the Toccoa River. Flooding was also reported in downtown Blue Ridge, while a flash flood emergency was issued just across the Tennessee state line near Ducktown.
PREVIOUS STORY: Catastrophic Flash Flood Warning in North Georgia | What you need to know
What we know:
The flooding has been particularly severe in McCaysville in Fannin County, where emergency officials issued an alert ordering residents along the river to evacuate immediately and seek higher ground.
Flooding was also reported in downtown Blue Ridge, while a flash flood emergency was issued just across the Tennessee state line, affecting areas near McCaysville and Ducktown.
McCaysville declares state of emergency, closes city
The mayor and City Council of McCaysville have declared a state of emergency and closed the city to unauthorized personnel until further notice as severe flooding continues to threaten the community.
All access points into the city have been closed, including River Road, Mobile Road, Blue Ridge Drive and Highway 68 from Tennessee. Only authorized public safety and emergency response personnel are permitted to enter.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to stay away, avoid barricades and allow emergency crews to continue rescue operations and assess widespread flooding and damage. McCaysville Public Safety Director and Police Chief Michael Otis Earley said the mandatory restrictions are necessary to protect lives and ensure emergency responders can work safely. The closures will remain in effect until further notice.
Residents trapped as floodwaters rise
Emergency crews began receiving calls overnight from residents unable to escape their homes and motorists trapped in vehicles as water levels rose rapidly in low-lying areas along creeks and rivers.
Swift-water rescue teams were called in to help evacuate residents and reach those stranded by the flooding.
"The water levels began to rise rapidly around some of the low-lying areas along the creeks and rivers, and started getting calls with people unable to get out of their homes, trapped in vehicles," an emergency official said.
"So we had to call in swift water rescue teams and start rescuing and evacuating people."
Mudslides have complicated rescue operations, making it more difficult for emergency crews to reach some of those trapped by rising water.
Officials are urging residents to avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive through standing or moving floodwaters.
At least 30 rescued as flooding washes out roads and bridges
As of 6 a.m. Thursday, at least 30 people have been rescued from their homes in McCaysville, but emergency crews are still working to reach several others trapped by rising floodwaters.
McCaysville's police chief said water has risen above the rooftops of some homes, with levels reported near 16 feet.
The flooding has been so severe that a police cruiser was seen floating down a downtown street.
Elsewhere in Fannin County, a bridge washed out on Bushy Head Road near Boardtown Road, leaving some residents stranded. A mudslide forced the closure of part of Boardtown Road, while flooding along Lucius Road made it impassable and trapped residents in their homes.
One man who was rescued said deputies initially told him to evacuate on foot, but the water rose so quickly that rescuers had to send a boat to get him, his wife and their pets. Emergency crews from surrounding counties are assisting with the ongoing rescue operations.
30 water rescues so far in McCaysville area
t least 30 people have been rescued from their homes in McCaysville as devastating flooding continues across North Georgia Thursday morning. Police say floodwaters have reached above rooftops in some areas, with water levels reported near 16 feet. Rescue boats are still working to reach stranded residents, while washed-out bridges and mudslides have left roads impassable. A bridge on Bushy Head Road washed out, a mudslide blocked Boardtown Road, and flooding stranded residents along Lucius Road. McCaysville's police chief said the water was so high that one of his patrol cars floated down a downtown street. FOX 5 Atlanta's Marc Teichner reporting live from the scene.
Fannin County Schools closed
The Fannin County School System has announced that school is canceled for today due to widespread storm damage and dangerous conditions. This means there will be no virtual or in-person school.
Gilmer County Schools closed
Gilmer County schools have announced that their schools will be closed Thursday out of an abundance of caution due to flooding and dangerous road conditions.
What to do if you need help
The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency is advising residents to move to higher ground immediately if they are in danger and to call 911. They are telling residents not to attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters.
Emergency shelter is available at the Fannin County Recreation Center at 370 Tom Boyd Road in Blue Ridge.
More than 6 inches of rain reported in some areas
What we know:
The flooding follows widespread heavy rainfall across the North Georgia mountains, with portions of northern Gilmer and southern Fannin counties receiving more than 5 inches of rain over a 24-hour period. Some locations recorded more than 6 inches.
Much of that rainfall is now draining into the Toccoa River, contributing to rapidly rising water levels downstream near McCaysville and the Tennessee border.
A flash flood emergency was issued for an area just across the state line, where communities near Ducktown were also experiencing dangerous flooding.
The concentration of heavy rainfall across the region has increased the threat of additional flooding as runoff continues moving through local waterways.
Flooding reported in downtown Blue Ridge
Local perspective:
Video captured by Dana Joy Chastain showed flooding in downtown Blue Ridge as heavy rain affected communities throughout Fannin County.
The flooding was not limited to the immediate McCaysville area, with swollen creeks and rivers creating hazardous conditions across portions of the North Georgia mountains.
Emergency crews continued rescue and evacuation operations early Thursday. The number of people rescued or evacuated was not immediately available, and there were no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths in the information provided.
Rain continues across metro Atlanta
What's next:
While the most serious flooding was concentrated in the North Georgia mountains, rain also moved through metro Atlanta early Thursday morning.
Temperatures in downtown Atlanta were around 69 degrees during the morning hours, with additional showers moving through the area.
Some clearing is expected later Thursday, although skies are forecast to remain mostly cloudy at times. Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s.
Cooler temperatures are forecast for the remainder of the week.
Residents in flood-prone areas of North Georgia are urged to monitor emergency alerts, follow evacuation instructions and avoid traveling through flooded areas as water continues draining into rivers and streams.