Georgia governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in four north Georgia mountain counties after record flooding submerged businesses, washed away roads and forced residents to flee their homes overnight.
The declaration covers Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties, allowing state agencies to deploy equipment, emergency personnel and financial assistance as communities begin assessing the damage.
The worst-hit areas included McCaysville, Georgia, and neighbouring Copperhill, Tennessee, where the Toccoa River — known as the Ocoee River after crossing the state line — rose rapidly following hours of torrential rain.
River levels reached 18.05ft at a gauge near Copperhill, exceeding the previous record of about 17.8ft set in February 1990. The river rose by roughly 14ft in less than eight hours, according to weather authorities. ([abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/amp/US/catastrophic-flooding-leads-closure-cities-georgia-tennessee/story?id=137881801&utm_source=openai))
Officials said at least 57 people were rescued by swift-water teams before floodwaters began to recede. Boats were used to reach stranded residents, while a school bus transported evacuees to a shelter at the Fannin County Recreation Department in Blue Ridge. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6e0a283ff54238cba9677602f5e0878e?utm_source=openai))
Emergency shelters were also opened at the town halls in McCaysville and Copperhill, with authorities ordering people living along the river and in parts of downtown Copperhill to evacuate immediately. Both bridges linking the towns were closed. ([copperhill.gov](https://copperhill.gov/city-hall/city-alerts-and-notices/?update=19765&utm_source=openai))
The flooding followed a fast-moving storm system that brought several inches of rain to the higher ridges of northern Georgia and south-eastern Tennessee. In the mountainous terrain, runoff swept downhill into the river basin faster than the channel could drain.
Water spread well beyond the riverbanks, carrying debris, propane tanks and tree trunks through streets and against bridges. Residents in the Copperhill area described escaping through several feet of water as furniture floated through their homes.
First responders, swift-water rescue crews and US Army Rangers from nearby Camp Merrill took part in the overnight operation, using boats and a military helicopter to reach people trapped by the rising water. Several residents were treated for hypothermia, while McCaysville officials said no major injuries had been reported.
Schools in Fannin and Gilmer counties were closed on Thursday as emergency teams dealt with flooded roads, washouts and debris. A flash flood emergency was issued for the area as the river reached major flood stage. ([cmg-cmg-rd-20021-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com](https://cmg-cmg-rd-20021-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/weather/catastrophic-flash-flooding-overnight-fannin-gilmer-counties-north-georgia/BVKAPTEYCJEGPAHLYGXTWEAT5E/?utm_source=openai))
Floodwaters recede in north Georgia
By Thursday afternoon, the water had begun to fall, exposing mud-covered streets, thick silt and damaged shops across the shared border-town business district.
The McCaysville water system was placed under a boil-water advisory until further notice, according to the county emergency management agency. ([wdam.com](https://www.wdam.com/2026/11/05/live-mccaysville-flooding-triggers-dozens-water-rescues-police-chief-says/?utm_source=openai))
Officials have yet to publish a final estimate of the number of displaced residents, damaged properties or the cost of repairing roads and bridges affected by the flood.
