Heavy rains cause flash flooding, water rescues on Georgia-Tennessee border

McCAYSVILLE, Ga. -- Thunderstorms with heavy rain caused flooding in twin cities along the border between Georgia and Tennessee overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with dangerous conditions making water rescues difficult.

In north-central Georgia, the National Weather Service said Thursday morning that thunderstorms had dropped 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) of rain in McCaysville, Georgia, which is right across the Toccoa River from Copperhill, Tennessee. The heavy rain caused life-threatening flooding in the two cities and flash flood warnings remained in effect.

McCaysville is home to about 1,000 people, while Copperhill has fewer than 500 residents.

Video footage posted online showed extensive flooding along commercial streets in both towns.

McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley told local news outlets that more than 30 rescues were conducted overnight. He said the water was over the roofs of some homes and rescue boats were having trouble navigating the rushing water.

The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency said swift water rescue teams evacuated residents but numerous people remained stranded, including some in areas where emergency crews couldn’t access due to dangerous conditions. It did not specify how many people were affected or whether there were any injuries.

“Please do not let the rain stopping give you a false sense of security,” the agency said on social media. “Floodwaters remain extremely dangerous, and conditions can continue to worsen even after the rain has stopped.”