Record Flooding on the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers

The Toccoa River, called the Ocoee in Tennessee, hit a record crest at McCaysville and Copperhill. Here's what happened and what rivers like ours teach us.

Posted by Etowah River in Blog 4 min read

Our neighbors in the North Georgia mountains woke up this morning to a river that had left its banks. Overnight on November 4 and 5, heavy rain sent the Toccoa River, which becomes the Ocoee River when it crosses into Tennessee, to a record crest at McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.

The Toccoa isn’t in the Etowah watershed, but it runs through the same mountains, and what happened there is a reminder of what our own headwater streams can do. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

What Happened

Intense rain fell Wednesday night into early Thursday across the mountains of North Georgia and southeast Tennessee. According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rain fell south of McCaysville near the Fannin-Gilmer county line, with roughly 8 to 11 inches in 24 hours.

The river rose about 16 feet in 12 hours, most of it in a span of about three hours, according to local reports. It crested at about 18 feet at the Copperhill gauge, passing the previous record of about 17.8 feet set in February 1990. Officials still need to confirm the final measurement.

The Response

Rescues. Fannin County Emergency Management reported 57 people rescued overnight by 13 swift-water teams using nine boats, with help from U.S. Army Rangers from Camp Merrill. Some people were treated for hypothermia. As of Thursday afternoon, police reported no major injuries.
Emergency declarations. McCaysville declared a local state of emergency and closed the town to unauthorized visitors. Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Union, Gilmer, and Murray counties.
Water and schools. The McCaysville water system is under a boil water advisory. Fannin and Gilmer County schools closed Thursday.
Shelter. An emergency shelter is open at the Fannin County Recreation Center, 370 Tom Boyd Road, Blue Ridge.

Homes, downtown businesses, and roads were flooded on both sides of the state line. Mudslides and washouts have closed roads, and propane tanks and other debris were carried downstream. This is the second flood in the area this year. Downtown McCaysville also flooded in early August.

What About the Dam?

The Tennessee Valley Authority said it had been holding water back at Blue Ridge Dam since November 3. Much of this flooding, though, came from streams below the dam, which TVA can’t control. A dam can only hold back the water that reaches it.

Why Mountain Rivers Rise So Fast

Steep slopes shed rain quickly. Small streams that were trickling at dinnertime can be roaring a few hours later, and they all drain into the same valley. Forests, wetlands, and healthy streambanks slow that rush and soak up water. Bare soil, pavement, and lost streamside trees speed it up. Protecting those natural sponges is one of the best flood defenses a watershed has, and it’s a big part of why we do what we do.

Staying Safe

Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around.
Stay out of floodwater. It can hide debris and carry sewage and fuel.
Don’t drink tap water in McCaysville until the boil water advisory is lifted.
Stay away from loose propane tanks and downed power lines, and report them to local officials.

How You Can Help

Anyone looking to provide food/meals to emergency workers or displaced families should contact the Polk County Chamber of Commerce at westoffice@ocoeecountry.com or 423-338-5040.

Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, at 1857 US-64 in Benton or at the Jackie Rogers County Clerk Office.

There is a need for baby supplies (diapers, wipes, bottles and formula) and toiletry items for both adults and children. Contact Feeding God’s Lambs Ministry or Wildwater Ltd. to help.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing is acting as a drop-off location for supplies for people and pets impacted by the flooding.

The United Way of the Ocoee Region is collecting donations to support those affected by the flooding. You can donate by texting COPPERHILL to 41444 or donate online on their website. Be sure to select “Copperhill Flood Emergency Fund” in the dropdown option.

Please check with local officials before driving up to help. Roads are closed, and crews need room to work.

Closer to home, you can help keep our own streams steady in a storm. Join our water monitoring volunteers or get in touch about a cleanup or streamside planting near you.