McCaysville cleans up after record flooding damages homes and businesses

McCaysville in far north Georgia is beginning cleanup efforts after devastating flooding caused by the Toccoa River reaching a record height of over 18 feet, Atlanta News First reported. The flooding forced residents onto their roofs and led to more than 80 rescues by swiftwater teams.

The floodwaters damaged downtown McCaysville extensively, with debris scattered throughout the area. Dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed, cars washed away, and local restaurants and grocery stores left nearly unrecognizable, according to Atlanta News First.

Fannin County schools remain closed, and a mandatory curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. has been imposed. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties. The McCaysville Water System is out of service, and residents are under a boil water advisory, with water distribution available behind City Hall.

This flooding event follows a previous flood in August that had already impacted the community, including shutting down the police and post office buildings. The police department had just reopened after renovations when it was flooded again. The National Weather Service described this as a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event.

Officials warn that recovery and repairs will likely take months or even years. Atlanta News First continues to follow the situation as it develops.