Record Flood: Toccoa River Breaches Banks on State Line

Record flooding submerged downtown buildings to their rooflines in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, on Thursday after overnight thunderstorms saturated the region. Emergency teams rescued at least 57 people from the rising waters before the tide began to recede.

The Toccoa River hit a historic high of 18 feet in the Copperhill gauge station. This level stood two feet above the threshold forecasters define as catastrophic. The river flows from the mountains into the Ocoee River, where the Tennessee Valley Authority managed high water levels at three hydroelectric dams.

Precipitation totals reached 8 to 10 inches in the area between Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Runoff from uncontrolled streams fed the main rivers, creating life-threatening conditions on both sides of the state border. Copperhill officials urged residents to shelter in City Hall as waters rose.

McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley described the scene in the business district as water covered rooftops in several areas. He reported that downtown streets were flooded to a depth of 6 to 7 feet. One police vehicle floated away down the river during the surge.

Rescue crews used red boats and motorized rafts to move through the rushing water. A helicopter and drones assisted in searching for stranded residents. The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency warned that flooded areas remained dangerous even after the rain stopped.

The storm knocked out cell service and power, complicating the response. The McCaysville water treatment plant shut down, forcing a boil water advisory. Heavy equipment, including dump trucks, became inaccessible due to the depth of the water.

This event marks the second major flood to hit the area in three months. The renovated police station, which reopened just one week ago, was again damaged. Earley noted that the town had been preparing for Christmas events and a parade following the August flood.