The floodwaters have receded, but the work of recovering from a devastating and historic North Georgia flood is only beginning.
Residents and businesses in McCaysville are now clearing ruined belongings from their properties, while crews work to restore water service, reopen roads and remove debris left behind by the flooding.
The recovery follows a storm that prompted 100 reported rescues across North Georgia, including 97 in Fannin County and three in Gilmer County, according to Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Josh Lamb.
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties, allowing additional state resources to be sent into the communities.
In Murray County, state officials said a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters along CC Camp Road. The driver was later found dead.
“Our heart goes out to their family,” Lamb said.
McCaysville begins massive cleanup
On Saturday, McCaysville officials said residents and business owners cleaning out flooded properties should place damaged belongings and debris along streets or sidewalks for collection.
Officials are asking people to keep at least one lane open wherever possible so emergency vehicles and cleanup equipment can get through.
Crews will move throughout the city picking up debris, but officials cautioned that reaching every property could take time.
“Many have lost so much, and the road to recovery will not be easy,” Michael Otis Earley, the city’s public safety director and police chief, said in an update to the community.
Crews race to restore water
One of the biggest problems facing residents is the city’s damaged water system.
McCaysville says Water Department employees are working to restore service so families and businesses can begin cleaning and rebuilding.
City officials have not provided a specific time for full restoration.
While the system remains disrupted, state emergency officials say bottled water has been sent into Fannin County.
GEMA has fulfilled 18 resource requests connected to the disaster, including helicopters, boats, drones, debris-clearing personnel and drinking water.
“If they need it, we’re going to try to help find it and get it to them as efficiently and quickly as we can,” Lamb said.
Food, clothing and cleanup supplies available
Two distribution centers are operating in McCaysville:
- First Baptist Church of McCaysville
- The building below Papa’s Pizza on Blue Ridge Drive
Food, clothing and cleaning supplies are available to anyone affected, including people from Fannin County, neighboring Polk County, Tennessee, Copperhill, McCaysville and surrounding communities.
Donations are also being accepted at both locations.
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Roads remain closed
Several roads remain closed to through traffic as crews assess damage and work to restore access.
The city listed these closures:
- Toccoa Avenue
- Highway 68 through Copperhill
- Blue Ridge Drive at East and West Tennessee
Officials are urging drivers not to go around barricades or interfere with emergency and cleanup crews.
The flooding also caused significant road and culvert damage elsewhere in North Georgia. Gilmer County declared its own local state of emergency after flooding washed out roads and culverts and left some residents temporarily cut off.
Volunteers still needed
McCaysville is continuing to accept volunteers to help homeowners and businesses clean up.
Anyone who wants to volunteer must first report to the Incident Command Center behind McCaysville City Hall.
After registering, volunteers will be sent to areas where help is needed.
Officials are asking people not to simply show up at damaged properties because emergency managers need to coordinate workers and maintain safe access.
Nearly 100 rescues in Fannin County
During the height of the flooding, emergency responders received numerous reports of people trapped inside their homes, particularly in southern portions of Fannin County.
Swift-water rescue teams from Cherokee, Union and Murray counties responded alongside the Tri-State Mutual Aid Group.
The American Red Cross also opened a shelter at the Fannin County Recreation Center, 520 Winding Drive in Blue Ridge, for people forced from their homes.
Lamb said state damage assessment teams are still working through affected communities, meaning the full scope of the destruction remains unknown.
“Assessments are preliminary and ongoing as teams continue to evaluate the extent of the damage,” he said.
Debris removal remains one of the biggest priorities as crews try to reopen roads and restore access to damaged properties.
Airspace restrictions remain
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the disaster area to keep the skies clear for helicopters and other aircraft involved in recovery operations.
State officials warned that unauthorized drones and aircraft are prohibited. Violations could result in fines, loss of pilot certifications or criminal charges.
‘We will rebuild’
Despite the scale of the damage, Earley said the focus is now on rebuilding both McCaysville and surrounding communities.
“Our community may be hurting, but we are not defeated,” he said. “Buildings and possessions can be replaced, but the strength, compassion, and determination of our people cannot be washed away.”
“We will rebuild. We will recover. And we will come back stronger than we were before.”
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