McCaysville declares emergency after Toccoa River floods town center
More than 30 rescues have been conducted in Georgia's northern counties as heavy overnight rains submerge streets and close schools.
By Ethan Cooper ·
Heavy overnight rains caused severe flooding across parts of northern Georgia. The weather event forced evacuations, prompted water rescues, and led to the closure of local schools.
McCaysville, located on the Georgia and Tennessee border, declared a state of emergency after the Toccoa River rose and submerged the town. Michael Earley, the McCaysville police chief, said emergency crews performed more than 30 water rescues using boats. He noted that water levels reached six to seven feet in parts of the downtown area. Earley stated that he had never seen a flood of that magnitude in his life and asked anyone willing to help to step forward.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for McCaysville valid until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Flash flood warnings covered Chatsworth, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge until 7:00 a.m. The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to stay off roads because of dangerous conditions. The agency said many residents still need evacuation. Some areas remain inaccessible to emergency teams due to the depth of the water.
School authorities in Fannin and Gilmer counties canceled classes for the day. The suspension includes both in-person and remote learning sessions. Officials cited widespread storm damage as the reason for the closures.
The flooding has disrupted daily life in the region. Residents in affected zones are dealing with submerged roads and interrupted services. Local officials continue to monitor water levels and coordinate rescue efforts.
