Kemp declares state of emergency for four counties after severe flooding

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties on Thursday. The designation activates state resources to support local cleanup and recovery efforts following intense weather events over the weekend.

A rapid storm system brought up to 6 inches of rain to northern Georgia and southeastern Tennessee between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The heavy precipitation caused the Toccoa River to rise by approximately 16 feet within 12 hours. Water levels reached a reported crest of about 18 feet, surpassing a historical high set in February 1990.

Geographic factors intensified the flooding in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. These communities sit in a low basin surrounded by steep mountains. Runoff from the higher ridges moved into the lower areas faster than the river channel could drain it. Surging water spread hundreds of yards beyond the banks, washing out culverts and lifting large propane tanks. Tree trunks, some 4 feet wide, collided with bridges in the area.

Resident and emergency personnel worked through the night to manage the crisis. Along Fightingtown Creek in Copperhill, residents escaped homes through 6 feet of water as furniture floated through living rooms. Swift-water rescue crews and U.S. Army Rangers from Camp Merrill used boats and a military helicopter to pull trapped people to safety. McCaysville officials reported that no major injuries occurred, although several individuals were treated at hospitals for hypothermia.

By Thursday afternoon, water levels began to recede. The retreat revealed thick silt, mud-covered streets, and damaged storefronts in the shared downtown tourism corridor. State and local officials have not yet released final counts of displaced families or damaged properties. No official dollar estimate for the total damage has been provided, and no timeline has been set for repairing washed-out roads or inspecting bridges affected by debris.