McCaysville declares emergency as floodwaters trap residents

The mayor and City Council of McCaysville declared a state of emergency on Thursday, closing the city to all unauthorized personnel. This action follows severe overnight flooding that has trapped residents in their homes and vehicles across Fannin County. Police Chief Michael Otis Earley stated that the mandatory restrictions are necessary to protect lives and allow emergency responders to work safely.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, rescue teams had pulled at least 30 people from their homes in McCaysville. Many of the rescued individuals were transported to the Fannin County Recreation Center at 370 Tom Boyd Road in Blue Ridge for shelter. Earley reported that water levels reached near 16 feet in some areas, submerging rooftops. A police cruiser was observed floating down a downtown street during the morning hours.

Heavy rainfall drove the floodwaters, with portions of northern Gilmer and southern Fannin counties recording more than 5 inches of rain over 24 hours. Some specific locations measured over 6 inches. The runoff has moved into the Toccoa River, causing rapid rises near the Tennessee border. A flash flood emergency was also issued for communities near Ducktown and McCaysville across the state line.

Road conditions have deteriorated significantly, forcing multiple closures. Moorestown Road is shut due to a washout at Sugar Creek. Lucius Road near Highway 76 in Cherry Log suffered a complete washout, leaving a family stranded in their home. In downtown Blue Ridge, a bridge on Bushy Head Road near Boardtown Road washed out, while a mudslide closed part of Boardtown Road.

Emergency crews from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are assisting with swift-water rescues. One resident described how deputies initially told him to evacuate on foot, but the water rose so quickly that rescuers had to send a boat to retrieve him, his wife, and their pets. Mudslides have complicated operations by blocking access to some trapped individuals. Earley said he was unaware of confirmed injuries, though one woman was placed in an ambulance with her condition unknown.

The Fannin County School System canceled all in-person and virtual classes for Thursday due to widespread storm damage. Gilmer County Schools also closed for the day out of caution regarding dangerous road conditions. Emergency management officials are urging residents to move to higher ground and avoid driving through standing water. They advise calling 911 if immediate help is needed.

City officials have closed all access points into McCaysville, including River Road, Mobile Road, Blue Ridge Drive, and Highway 68 from Tennessee. Only authorized public safety and emergency response personnel are permitted to enter. The closures will remain in effect until further notice, with officials urging visitors to stay away and avoid barricades.