North Ga. flooding triggers more than 30 water rescues, police chief says

ATLANTA, Ga. — Emergency personnel have carried out more than 30 water rescues in McCaysville as heavy rain and flooding hit the region overnight, according to the city’s chief of police.

Chief Michael Earley said the water in some downtown areas was 6 to 7 feet high. The National Weather Service has put McCaysville under a flash flood emergency until 11 a.m.

According to Earley, the water has risen over the roofs of some homes in the area, and the rescue boats are having trouble navigating the rushing water. Copperhill City Hall, McCaysville City Hall and the Fannin County Recreation Center are open as shelters.

McCaysville also suffered severe flooding in August, which triggered a boil water advisory and closed the local police department and U.S. Post Office buildings. Pictures from the scene show that the police department is once again flooded.

At 9 a.m., Gov. Brian Kemp said the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is leading a multi-agency response in northwest Georgia, complete with boats, aviation support and help from Tennessee first responders.

“This is an ongoing flash flood emergency, and if you are in the impacted area, seek higher ground and listen to your local emergency officials,” he said.