Record flooding swept through McCaysville, Georgia, on Thursday, forcing more than 30 water rescues as the Toccoa River poured into the small mountain town on the Tennessee line, police chief Michael Earley said, Atlanta News First reports.
Earley said water in parts of downtown stood 6 to 7 feet deep and rose over the roofs of some homes, with rescue boats struggling in the current. Some residents were still waiting on rooftops for rescue, and a police car was swept down the river. The river gauge hit 18.05 feet, topping the record of 17.8 feet set in 1990.
The National Weather Service extended the flash flood emergency until 11 a.m. The city has declared a state of emergency and closed its entry points to everyone but emergency crews. A propane tank at a flooded business caught fire during the morning, and Atlanta News First crews at the scene heard it explode around 10 a.m.; first responders rushed to the area.
Gov. Brian Kemp said Georgia's emergency management agency is leading a multi-agency response with boats, aviation support and help from Tennessee. Shelters are open at Copperhill City Hall, McCaysville City Hall and the Fannin County Recreation Center, and the McCaysville water system is under a boil-water advisory.
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