Flash Floods Hit Georgia-Tennessee Border

Torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, along the state line early Thursday. Storms originated in the southern end of a large cross-country system.

Authorities in McCaysville, Georgia, ordered immediate evacuations in some neighborhoods just before 3 a.m. local time. Fannin County officials reported swiftwater rescues and flooding affecting multiple homes.

The county recreation center is being used as an emergency shelter. McCaysville declared a state of emergency shortly after 5 a.m. The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee surged into major flood stage, reaching record levels over 18 feet.

Officials noted that the previous flood record for the area was set in 1990. Robert Poole, Public Information Officer for Fannin County Emergency Management, stated the current flood levels exceed that record. Lightning strikes were cited as a possible cause for several fires during the storms.

Copperhill, Tennessee, closed its city limits and warned residents to avoid downtown and river areas. Polk County schools were closed on Thursday. Georgia State Patrol helicopters were on standby to assist with evacuations.

A propane tank caught fire and later exploded outside a local business in McCaysville. County officials reported at least six buildings were damaged by fire during the storms.