Flooding prompts state of emergency in Georgia as crews conduct more than 40 rescues

MCCAYSVILLE, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) — Flash flooding prompted a state of emergency in McCaysville, Georgia, and flash flood warnings in several other cities in north Georgia on Thursday.Storms dropped heavy rain across a mountainous area that drains into the Toccoa River between McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, causing life-threatening flooding on both sides. As much as 8 to 10 inches fell overnight between the north Georgia towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay, and runoff from uncontrolled streams swelled the rivers below, according to the Tennessee Valley Authority.The Toccoa River reached a record high Thursday morning of 18 feet, according to a river gauge in Copperhill.McCaysville Chief of Police Michael Early asks residents to bear with them as a state of emergency continues due to rushing floodwaters. (Source: ANF)More than 40 water rescues were undertaken by emergency personnel manning boats, according to McCaysville police Chief Michael Earley.“I’ve never seen floodin