Georgia town declares emergency as river crests near record high
More than 30 people were pulled to safety in McCaysville while neighboring towns faced warnings and school cancellations.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
A flash flood emergency was declared in McCaysville, Georgia, after water levels surged to 6 or 7 feet in parts of downtown. The National Weather Service maintained the emergency designation until 9 a.m. on Thursday. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley stated that the depth of the water in business districts was unprecedented for his tenure, describing the scene as the worst he had witnessed in his life.
Emergency crews on boats completed more than 30 rescues in the city. Earley noted that some areas remained inaccessible due to dangerous conditions, leaving residents stranded. The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency urged people to stay off the roads and confirmed that a number of residents still required evacuation.
The Toccoa River reached a crest of 17.73 feet by 8 a.m. Thursday, a level just below the historical record for the waterway. Powerful storms moved through north Georgia on Wednesday night, bringing heavy rainfall that triggered the rapid rise in water levels. Flash flood warnings were issued for the nearby cities of Chatsworth, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge, with those alerts set to expire at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
Local authorities in Fannin and Gilmer counties canceled school classes for the day, citing widespread storm damage. The closures affect students in both districts as crews continue to assess the impact of the flooding. The Toccoa River gauge readings indicate the water level has peaked, though officials continue to monitor the situation in McCaysville.
The state of emergency remains in effect for McCaysville. The National Weather Service has lifted the specific flash flood emergency for the town but continues to track the river levels. Emergency management agencies in the region are coordinating with local police to assist residents who have not yet been reached by rescue teams.
