Fannin County reports 57 rescues after overnight flash floods
Swift water teams deployed nine boats to save residents trapped by rising water in McCaysville and nearby areas.
By Samantha Reed ·
Flash floods along the Georgia-Tennessee border trapped residents in their homes overnight, forcing emergency crews to conduct dozens of water rescues. Heavy rain from thunderstorms generated rapid water accumulation that made evacuation by land impossible in several sections of Fannin County.
Alerts went out at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, urging residents to move to higher ground. By 6 a.m. on Thursday, Fannin County Emergency Management stated on social media that some areas were inaccessible to standard emergency vehicles. The agency instructed residents to remain in their homes, stay off the roads, and dial 911 only if immediate danger presented itself.
By noon Thursday, officials counted at least 57 people rescued by swift water teams. Thirteen teams utilized nine boats to complete the operations. Cherokee County emergency agencies joined the effort, with fire and emergency crews providing additional swift water support in McCaysville. Chief Deputy Joe Wood confirmed that Cherokee County personnel were assisting Fannin County crews.
Precipitation has ceased, and water levels are slowly receding. Despite the improving conditions, emergency managers continue to advise the public to avoid closed roads. Jackson County Emergency Management and Clay County Emergency Management in North Carolina reported that they have not yet been requested to send aid to the area.
