Flooding prompts rescues and evacuations in North Georgia

Floodwaters rose quickly in North Georgia after heavy rain on November 4, prompting evacuations and rescue operations overnight. Fannin and Gilmer counties were under flash flood warnings through 1:30 a.m. on November 5, and law enforcement reported mudslides and possible water rescues around 10:45 p.m. on November 4.

In McCaysville, emergency officials told residents along the river to leave for higher ground. Crews received calls from people unable to get out of homes and from motorists stranded in vehicles, then brought in swift-water teams to reach them. Mudslides made access more difficult for rescuers.

Downtown Blue Ridge also saw flooding. More than five inches of rain fell in parts of northern Gilmer and southern Fannin counties over 24 hours, with some locations receiving over six inches. Runoff was flowing into the Toccoa River, adding to rising water farther south around McCaysville, near the Tennessee line. Officials declared an emergency over flash flooding for areas across the state line near Ducktown.

Rescue and evacuation work continued early on November 5. The number of people helped was not immediately available, and no injuries or deaths had been confirmed in the information provided. Officials urged people to follow evacuation directions, monitor alerts and stay off flooded roads, warning against driving through water.

Rain also moved through metro Atlanta early November 5. Some clearing was expected later in the day, though cloudy periods and further showers were forecast.