At least 80 people were rescued in Georgia’s Fannin County after overnight flooding inundated communities along the Georgia-Tennessee border, while Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for four north Georgia counties, according to local officials cited by FOX Weather and FOX 5 Atlanta.
Floodwaters were receding Thursday afternoon in McCaysville, Georgia, and neighboring Copperhill, Tennessee, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The immediate story had shifted from the river’s rapid overnight rise to rescues, damage assessments and cleanup. The earlier flash-flood emergency should not be read here as confirmation that the same warning remained active Thursday evening.
Emergency declaration covers four counties
Kemp’s November 5 executive order declares a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties. It makes state resources available for response and recovery, directs activation of the emergency operations plan and state operations center, and prohibits price gouging for necessary recovery goods and services. The order expires November 12 at 11:59 p.m. unless renewed.
The rescue count applies to Fannin County, not to all four counties combined or to Tennessee. FOX 5 reported that local emergency crews, mutual-aid teams and U.S. Army Rangers assisted in the response.
Reported record crest, with final measurements pending
The Toccoa River, which becomes the Ocoee after crossing into Tennessee, reached a reported crest of about 18 feet, FOX 5 reported. Its account described that as an apparent record while noting that final gauge measurements and historical rankings remained subject to confirmation.
Homes, businesses and roads were inundated, and mud and debris remained as the water fell. No final estimate of property damage, displacement or the cost of repairs was available in the reports reviewed.
No deaths reported in the afternoon assessment
Fannin County Fire Rescue confirmed no loss of life in the afternoon account reported by FOX 5. McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said no major injuries had been reported at that point.
That is not a report of zero injuries. FOX 5 said some residents were taken to hospitals for hypothermia and a firefighter was evaluated for leg pain and expected to recover. FOX Weather separately reported that a firefighter was injured but not seriously hurt during a fire-related incident.
Water notice, shelter and closures
FOX 5 reported a citywide boil-water notice in McCaysville. FOX Weather reported that the county recreation center was serving as an emergency shelter and that McCaysville officials had asked people to stay out of the city.
The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency announced that county schools and the courthouse would be closed Friday, according to FOX 5. The same report said Blue Ridge City Hall would be closed Friday, while Gilmer County Schools planned a normal schedule.
The reports describe an afternoon snapshot, not a guarantee that every closure, shelter or water notice will remain unchanged. Residents and travelers should use the latest notices from the relevant city, county or school district before acting on those arrangements.
JBizNews Desk | U.S. News
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