Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said a multi-agency, multi-state response was underway after torrential rain triggered a flash flood emergency. Rivers and streams overflowed their banks, causing widespread flooding in the communities of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Marc Teichner has the latest terms.
TAKEAWAYS
- Torrential rains triggered flash flooding in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, early Thursday.
- As the storms passed, rivers and streams overflowed, causing widespread flooding in the communities of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said a multi-agency, multi-state response was underway.
Torrential rains triggered flash flooding in Polk, Tenn., and Fannin, Ga., counties along the state line early Thursday after storms whipped up along the southern end of a massive storm crossing the country.
WHAT IS A FLASH EMERGENCY?
Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Facebook)Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Facebook)Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Facebook)Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Fannin County Emergency Management Agency/Facebook)Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Fannin County Emergency Management Agency/Facebook)Flash flood emergency in Fannin County, Georgia on November 5, 2026.
(Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Facebook)
Police in McCaysville, Georgia, asked residents in some neighborhoods to immediately evacuate just before 3 a.m. local time. Fannin County officials said swift water rescue operations were underway amid widespread flooding with water in several homes.
The departmental recreation center serves as an emergency shelter. The city of McCaysville declared a state of emergency shortly after 5 a.m.
WHEN WILL THE FIRST SNOWFALL BE RECORDED FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?
Gov. Brian Kemp said a multi-agency, multi-state response is underway.
The state is actively responding to flooding in northwest Georgia. @GeorgiaEMAHS is leading a multi-agency response including @ga_dps and @GaDNRLE, using both air and sea assets, as well as local counties and Tennessee first responders. This is an ongoing flash flood emergency, and if you are in the affected area, seek higher ground and listen to local emergency officials.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) November 5, 2026
Fannin County officials told FOX Weather at least 20 people were rescued by water rescue teams.
The flooding caused a propane tank to catch fire and then explode outside a local business in McCaysville. County officials said several buildings caught fire during the storms, which they believe was caused by lightning.
A propane tank caught fire at a local business in McCaysville, Georgia, as intense flooding hit the area. A flash flood emergency is in place on the Tennessee-Georgia border.
The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee reached major flooding stage, reaching a new record of more than 18 feet after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell across much of the region in just 12 hours.
Georgia State Patrol helicopters are on standby to assist with evacuations, the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency said.
Torrential rains triggered flash flooding in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, on November 5, 2026.
The town of Copperhill, Tennessee, declared Thursday morning that the town was on lockdown and warned people to stay away from downtown or any areas along the river.
Polk County schools were closed Thursday.
Gn usa
