Heavy rain has caused flash flooding across parts of Tennessee and Georgia, leading to evacuations and swiftwater rescues. Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, declared Flash Flood Emergencies early Thursday as storms dumped between 5 and 8 inches of rain in just 12 hours.
In McCaysville, Georgia, police urged residents in some neighborhoods to evacuate around 3 a.m. local time due to widespread flooding that has inundated multiple homes. The Ocoee River surged into major flood stage. The city subsequently declared a state of emergency. A propane tank caught fire in a local business in McCaysville as a result of the flooding. The City of Copperhill, Tennessee, warned people to stay away from downtown and river areas, stating the city was closed. Polk County Schools in Tennessee announced all schools would be closed on Thursday.
Georgia State Patrol helicopters are on standby to assist with evacuations in Fannin County. Rescue efforts are underway, with Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division Game Wardens assisting local first responders.
Storm System Shifts East
The intense rainfall in the South is part of a larger cross-country storm system that is now moving eastward. This system is expected to bring an end to a prolonged dry spell across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Showers and storms are anticipated to reach the East Coast through Thursday, with potential rainfall of over an inch along the Interstate 95 corridor. Localized amounts could reach 2–3 inches from Virginia to southeastern New England.
The rain is forecast to continue through Friday, tapering off from south to north. On Friday, a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk is projected for parts of Long Island in New York, eastern Connecticut, and southeastern Massachusetts. A Level 2 threat includes areas of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Lingering rain is possible across southern New England into Saturday morning.
Much of the Northeast has experienced its longest dry stretch of the year, with cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston going over two weeks without significant rain. Drought conditions persist across New England, particularly in Maine. The incoming rain could help alleviate these dry conditions, though localized downpours may cause minor flooding.
Lingering Flooding in Southwest
In other weather-related news, parts of the Southwest are still dealing with the aftermath of flooding from the previous weekend. Severe storms moved across the South earlier in the week, prompting tornado warnings in northern Louisiana. A tornado was captured on video touching down in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. In Flagstaff, Arizona, police are investigating a second death that may be weather-related after a body was found in a stormwater drainage area. Evacuations remain in effect for communities near the San Juan River in New Mexico and Colorado due to residual flooding and damage.