McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, are grappling with catastrophic flooding after an overnight deluge dropped 6 to 9 inches of rain, causing the Ocoee River to surge to a record 18.05 feet. This new crest surpasses the previous record of 17.8 feet set on February 16, 1990. The river, normally around 2.5 feet, has inundated the two border cities, forcing officials to order residents to evacuate and close the areas to the public.
McCaysville has declared a state of emergency, with Police Chief Michael Earley urging residents to stay away from the city and refrain from bypassing barricades or interfering with emergency operations. Streets in downtown Copperhill were flooded early Thursday, and both bridges connecting the cities have been submerged, cutting off transportation between them. Shelters have been opened at Copperhill City Hall and McCaysville City Hall.
Emergency crews have been actively engaged in rescue operations, with some residents pulled from their rooftops. Officials are attempting to reach a 90-year-old woman stranded on her kitchen table. At least 30 to 40 rescues have been reported, with vehicles, debris, and even a police car swept away by the floodwaters. Several homes, government buildings, and businesses have been affected, and cell phone communication, power, and the water plant are non-operational in McCaysville.
A flash flood emergency was declared in Polk County, Tennessee, at 4 a.m. Thursday, with a considerable flash flood warning issued for several counties in north central Georgia. The Ocoee River at Copperhill and McCaysville entered major flood stage, the highest level, at 3:30 a.m., rising approximately 14 feet in seven and a half hours. By Thursday morning, the river had begun to recede, dropping three feet by 8 a.m. and falling below the minor flood stage by the afternoon.
While a few individuals were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, no major casualties have been reported. One firefighter sustained an injury but is expected to recover. The McCaysville Water System has issued a boil water advisory until further notice. A Blackhawk helicopter has been deployed to survey the damage and assist in identifying any remaining individuals needing rescue.