The Ocoee River surged to a record 18.05 feet along the Georgia-Tennessee border after heavy rain Wednesday night, flooding two cities and leaving emergency crews working to rescue residents from rooftops, including a 90-year-old woman trapped atop her kitchen table.
Here's what to know
According to ABC News, between 6 and 9 inches of rain triggered catastrophic flooding in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Officials declared a state of emergency and instructed residents to evacuate and not return. Officials closed access points on River Road, Mobile Road, Blue Ridge Drive, and Highway 68 into Tennessee.
"We are urging everyone to STAY AWAY FROM THE CITY OF McCAYSVILLE. Do not attempt to enter the city, bypass barricades, or interfere with ongoing emergency operations," McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley announced on Facebook.
On a typical day, the Ocoee measures around 2.5 feet, per ABC News. The previous 17.8-foot high was recorded on February 16, 1990. With some areas still out of reach, first responders were trying to establish whether anyone else needed rescuing, Earley added.
More background
Fox Weather (@foxweather) shared footage of the historic flooding on the Ocoee River.
McCaysville's water plant stopped operating, and the city lost electricity and cellphone service, Earley said, compounding the risks to public health and community safety, per ABC News. He also reported damage to residences, public buildings, and stores.
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Cars and debris, including a police vehicle, were carried downstream. A firefighter was injured but is expected to recover. No other major injuries have been reported.
What's being done?
A Black Hawk helicopter searched for people needing rescue while first responders checked every home. Earley reported that crews had carried out at least 30 to 40 rescues, according to ABC News. Shelters are available at McCaysville City Hall and Copperhill City Hall.
By 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, the river had steadily receded to below 10 feet, putting it at minor flood stage. In the meantime, Earley emphasized that public safety comes first.
"We understand the seriousness of these restrictions; however, they are necessary to protect human life and allow emergency personnel to carry out their duties safely," he wrote on Facebook.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover rooftop evacuations, rapid rescues, record river levels, bridge damage, and flash flood warnings.
• In Utah, a renter waited on a roof for rescue after sudden flooding.
• In Tucson, Arizona, flash flooding triggered three rescues within 30 minutes.
• In India, five drowned as the Ganga broke records and flooding affected 3.4 million in Bihar.
• In Crete, Greece, floodwaters collapsed part of a bridge and swept a car into a river.
• In Utah, the record-breaking 2026 storm season brought flash flood warnings.
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