AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 5, 2026
Record Flooding Strikes Border Towns Overnight
Heavy thunderstorms unleashed record-breaking rainfall along the Georgia-Tennessee border overnight, resulting in widespread flooding in the neighboring towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Emergency responders spent Thursday morning rescuing dozens of residents from fast-rising waters as buildings were submerged up to their rooftops and streets turned into waterways.
Communities Grapple With Flooding Impact
As the floodwaters began to recede by Thursday afternoon, residents returned to assess the aftermath. Streets were strewn with debris, and business owners found their merchandise and equipment damaged or destroyed by the flood. The historic rainfall overwhelmed the Toccoa River, which runs between the two towns, pushing it to a record height of 18 feet at a gauge in Copperhill—well above the "catastrophic" level as defined by forecasters.
Emergency Response and Rescues
Rescue crews used motorized rafts and boats to evacuate residents trapped by deep, rushing water. The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency in Georgia reported at least 57 successful rescues by swift water teams before the waters began to recede. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency coordinated another 68 swift water rescues.
Emergency personnel conducted house-to-house checks and deployed helicopters and drones to locate anyone needing assistance. One firefighter sustained a minor injury, and several residents were treated for suspected hypothermia and shock. Despite the dramatic scene, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported.
Floodwaters Disrupt Power, Water, and Infrastructure
The storm caused phone and power outages in the area, further complicating rescue efforts. The flooding also knocked out the McCaysville water treatment plant, leading to a boil water advisory, and rendered city dump trucks and heavy equipment inaccessible. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley reported that the water reached six to seven feet high in parts of downtown and even swept away a police car.
Local Businesses and Residents Face Recovery
Local business owner Hugh Rogers described the emotional and financial toll of the flooding. He arrived at his McCaysville store early Thursday morning to find several feet of water inside and estimated $200,000 to $300,000 worth of inventory destroyed. Still, Rogers expressed gratitude that his losses were not as severe as those suffered by some homeowners and voiced determination to clean up and persevere with support from family, friends, and coworkers.
Street sweepers and residents began the clean-up process Thursday afternoon as rivers settled back within their banks, but the sight of debris still floating swiftly under the bridges served as a reminder of the storm's impact. Chief Earley noted that many in the community had only just finished repairing damage from a previous flood in August, which had severely affected downtown businesses and government buildings.
Recurring Floods Challenge the Community
The twin towns, popular for their railroad attractions and mountain scenery, are now facing the aftermath of two severe floods in just three months. With the holiday season approaching and local events like the Christmas parade on the horizon, town leaders and residents are looking to recovery efforts to restore their community in the face of repeated devastation.
Source: wkrn.com.
