A catastrophic flood described by the National Weather Service as a “1,000‑year event” struck the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee on Friday. Rainfall totals reached 10.28 inches in six hours and 11.19 inches over 12 hours, overwhelming the Toccoa River and its tributaries.
Rescue operations and damage
Swift‑water teams from both states rescued dozens of residents as floodwaters surged through downtown streets, covering them in mud and disabling the local water‑treatment plant. The Tennessee Valley Authority was forced to manage high water levels at three hydroelectric dams on the Ocoee River.
Tragically, 56‑year‑old Julie Barrs of Murray County, Georgia, died while attempting to drive through flood‑covered roads, according to Sheriff Jimmy Davenport.
Government response
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for four counties, unlocking state resources to aid recovery. In McCaysville, Police Chief Michael Otis Earley reported that the police department lost “virtually everything” and that a curfew remains in effect from dusk to dawn.
“This disaster does not define who we are as a community,” Earley said. “How we come together, how we care for our neighbors, and how we lift one another up will define us.”
Impact on local life
Both towns, home to roughly 1,000 residents in McCaysville and fewer than 500 in Copperhill, are known for scenic railroad tours—the Blue Ridge Railway in Georgia and the Copperhill Special in Tennessee. The recent flood has left the Copperhill General Store’s merchandise covered in mud, prompting a public apology on social media.
Earlier this year, the same region experienced an August flood classified as a 1‑in‑500‑year event, marking two severe floods within three months.
Beyond the mountains
Flooding also affected Falmouth, Massachusetts, where heavy rains forced Police Chief Jeffrey A. Lourie to urge residents to stay home as roads and the police headquarters were inundated.
Authorities continue to assess damage, restore utilities and provide assistance to affected families across the region.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
