State of emergency declared as at least 80 rescued amid Flash Flood Emergency along Georgia-Tennessee border

05:28

Flash Flood Emergency inundates McCaysville, Georgia, prompting rescues and evacuations

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said a multi-agency and multi-state response is underway after torrential rain triggered a Flash Flood Emergency. Rivers and creeks overtopped their banks, causing widespread flooding in the McCaysville, Georgia, Copperhill, Tennessee, communities. FOX 5 Atlanta Reporter Marc Teichner has the latest conditions.

THE TAKEAWAY

• Torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, early Thursday.
• While the storms have passed, rivers and creeks have overtopped their banks, causing widespread flooding in the McCaysville, Georgia, Copperhill, Tennessee, communities.
• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said a multi-agency and multi-state response is underway.

Torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, along the state line early Thursday after storms fired within the southern end of a massive cross-country storm.

In response to the overnight flooding, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Thursday for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties.

Officials said that at least 80 people have been rescued in Fannin County after widespread flooding.

People in some McCaysville neighborhoods had to evacuate immediately just before 3 a.m. local time. Officials said swiftwater rescue teams are still active after water surged into multiple homes and businesses.

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST SNOWFALL ON RECORD FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?

00:37

Watch: Incredible Drone Video Shows Devastating Flash Flooding In McCaysville, Georgia

Drone footage shows parts of McCaysville, Georgia, inundated by floodwaters from the Toccoa River, which reached a record crest over 18 feet during Thursday morning's Flash Flood Emergency. The community is just beginning to assess damage after swiftwater teams conducted dozens of rescues throughout the morning.

The county recreation center is serving as an emergency shelter. The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency just after 5 a.m. and people are being asked to stay out of the city.

Governor Brian Kemp said a multi-agency and multi-state response is underway.

The flooding caused a propane tank to catch fire and later explode outside a local business in McCaysville. Police said 1 firefighter was injured but not seriously hurt during the incident.

Fannin County officials told FOX Weather at least six buildings caught fire during the storms Wednesday night, which they believe to have been caused by lightning.

00:14

Propane tank catches fire in Georgia

A propane tank caught fire in a local business in McCaysville, Georgia as intense flooding slammed the area. A Flash Flood Emergency is in place across the Tennessee-Georgia border.

The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee surged into major flood stage, cresting at a new record over 18 feet after 5-8 inches of rain fell across much of the region over just 12 hours.

"Nothing to this extent since 1990," said Robert Poole, the Public Information Officer for the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, referring to the area's previous flood of record.

Georgia State Patrol helicopters were on standby to assist with evacuations, officials said.

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST SNOWFALL ON RECORD FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?

Flooding in Polk County, Tennessee, on Nov. 5, 2026.

(Polk County Road Dept-TN/Facebook / FOX Weather)

The City of Copperhill, Tennessee, said late Wednesday that the city is closed and warned people to stay away from the downtown or any areas along the river.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency told FOX Weather that swiftwater and helicopter rescue teams were active in the area. 

00:27

Watch: McCaysville, Georgia, inundated during Flash Flood Emergency

Torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, on Nov. 5, 2026.

Both Tennessee and Georgia deployed helicopters to help anyone who might have been forced onto roofs due to flooding.

The county road department said the Rogers Creek Bridge was closed after a "large structure in the area broke from its foundation and made contact with the bridge."

Polk County schools were closed Thursday.