A State of Emergency was declared Thursday in both Polk County, Tennessee and Fannin County, Georgia after up to 10” of rain fell overnight causing the Ocoee River to reach a record high of 18.05 feet.

As of 11:00 a.m. CT Thursday, the Ocoee River has crested and is now below Action stage.

Flash flooding occurred predominantly in the City of Copperhill, Tennessee and also along the state line in McCaysville, Georgia. The twin cities share connecting streets and bridges. They are separated in places by the Toccoa River, which becomes the Ocoee River where it crosses the state line.

Shortly before 1pm, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported at least 68 rescues coordinated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) completed by Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee National Guard.

There has been significant structural damage in Copperhill and McCaysville.

The Ocoee River State Park has been impacted by flooding and was closed on Thursday.

TEMA did not immediately report any injuries or fatalities in Tennessee.

Share this article
The link has been copied!