Flash Flood Emergency Declared in North Georgia as Record River Levels Flood Downtown McCaysville
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- National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Emergency for McCaysville; Toccoa River crested at record 18.05 feet Thursday morning.
- Emergency crews continue evacuating stranded residents; numerous people still unreachable due to dangerous flooding conditions and hazardous water levels.
A Flash Flood Emergency remains in effect for McCaysville in north Georgia Thursday morning as record river levels have contributed to significant flooding, with emergency crews continuing efforts to evacuate residents stranded by rising floodwaters.
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City extended the Flash Flood Warning for north-central Fannin County through 11 a.m. EST Thursday, November 5, after emergency management officials reported significant flooding in and around McCaysville.
At 8:57 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for McCaysville, describing the situation as a particularly dangerous and potentially life-threatening event. The warning carries a catastrophic flash flood damage threat.
Emergency officials reported that the Toccoa River appeared to have crested around 8:05 a.m. at approximately 18.05 feet, setting a new record. That level has contributed to extensive flooding in downtown McCaysville, where dangerous conditions remain even as additional rainfall is not expected.
The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency said numerous residents still need to be evacuated, including people in locations emergency crews have been unable to reach because of flooding and hazardous conditions.
Officials are warning residents not to assume conditions are safe simply because the rain has stopped. Floodwaters remain extremely dangerous, and flooding impacts can continue or worsen even after rainfall ends.
A Georgia State Patrol helicopter is on standby to assist with aerial rescues and extractions once daylight conditions allow, if needed. Multiple agencies and mutual aid resources are continuing rescue and evacuation operations.
The National Weather Service is urging anyone in the affected area to move to higher ground immediately. Flooding is threatening low-water crossings, creeks, streams, roadways, streets and underpasses. The warning specifically identifies McCaysville and surrounding areas, including locations along Hothouse Creek, the Toccoa River, the Ocoee River and Fightingtown Creek.
Fannin County EMA is also asking the public to stay off the roads. Unnecessary traffic can put additional people in danger and make it more difficult for emergency personnel to reach residents who need assistance.
Anyone in immediate danger from rising water should move to higher ground and call 911. Officials are reminding motorists never to drive through flooded roadways, emphasizing that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
An emergency shelter remains open at the Fannin County Recreation Center, located at 370 Tom Boyd Road in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Although the flooding is occurring in north Georgia, the situation serves as an important reminder for residents throughout CNAW2News’ East Alabama and West Georgia coverage area to remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Residents are urged to monitor official weather alerts, avoid flooded roads and follow instructions from local emergency management agencies.
Fannin County emergency officials are asking residents who are safe to remain home and allow rescue personnel to concentrate on reaching those in danger.
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