The Toccoa-Ocoee River crested at 5.50 metres after 200 to 250 millimetres of rain, forcing rescues, evacuations and water restrictions

Record river crest follows flash-flood emergency

McCAYSVILLE, Ga. — Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 – International News – Communities on the Georgia-Tennessee border are beginning a difficult cleanup after overnight thunderstorms drove the Toccoa-Ocoee River to a record crest, flooded homes and businesses and forced dozens of rescues.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said 200 to 250 millimetres of rain fell overnight in the watershed affecting Polk County. The river crested at Copperhill at 18.05 feet, or 5.50 metres, a record. By 11 a.m. Central time Thursday it had fallen below action stage, but officials continued to warn that standing water, damaged roads, debris and disrupted utilities remained dangerous.

Rescues, evacuations and utility disruption

Tennessee emergency officials reported 68 rescues and said Polk County had declared a state of emergency. The state Emergency Operations Center remained at Level 4, or elevated, to support local agencies.

Copperhill ordered residents along East and West Tennessee avenues, downtown businesses and properties along the Toccoa-Ocoee River to evacuate early Thursday. City halls in Copperhill and neighbouring McCaysville, Georgia, opened as shelters, while both bridges between the towns were closed during the emergency.

Copperhill Utilities issued a mandatory water-conservation notice. Tennessee officials established a distribution point for essential supplies. In McCaysville, flooding shut the water-treatment plant and prompted a boil-water advisory, The Associated Press reported.

The Associated Press reported at least 57 swift-water rescues on the Georgia side, buildings flooded to their rooflines and water 1.8 to 2.1 metres deep in parts of downtown McCaysville. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and several residents were treated for suspected hypothermia and shock. No deaths were reported in the sources reviewed by the publication cutoff.

Rain has ended but recovery hazards remain

The National Weather Service in Morristown, Tenn., said the rain had ended and dry weather should dominate the next several days. Its Thursday evening discussion said river levels at Copperhill would continue to fall as the flood crest moved downstream.

That improving forecast does not make flooded areas safe. Local officials urged residents to stay away from closed streets, avoid damaged structures and never drive or walk through floodwater. People returning to property should follow local boil-water and conservation instructions and keep clear of downed electrical equipment.

The flood struck less than three months after another damaging flood in McCaysville. The renovated police building had reopened only last week, according to the Associated Press, underscoring the economic and infrastructure strain on the adjoining small towns.

Primary sources: Tennessee Emergency Management Agency flood report; National Weather Service flash-flood emergency; National Weather Service Morristown forecast discussion; City of Copperhill emergency notices