McCaysville crews are clearing mud and repairing a damaged water system after floodwaters swept through homes, businesses and public buildings.
MCCAYSVILLE, GA — Officials in this north Georgia city declared a state of emergency after heavy overnight rain sent water and mud through downtown, damaged the municipal water system and forced rescuers to help people trapped inside flooded homes.
The flooding struck late Saturday and early Sunday in McCaysville, a small tourist community near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders. City officials said drainage problems connected to an ongoing State Highway 5 widening project contributed to the flooding. Officials said the Toccoa River did not overflow into downtown.
Public Safety Director and Police Chief Michael Earley said culverts and construction debris washed out or blocked drainage systems along Blue Ridge Drive. Water then flowed into businesses, residences, the police department, the post office and other buildings. At some locations, the water rose from knee level to nearly waist level, he said.
No injuries were reported as of Sunday evening. Fannin County Fire and Rescue crews responded to several homes where residents were surrounded or trapped by floodwater. Damaged roads made it difficult for emergency vehicles to move through parts of the community, and authorities initially asked residents to avoid downtown and limit nonemergency calls.
The storm also cut power to McCaysville’s water treatment plant for several hours and caused the city to lose a large amount of treated water. Officials reported major leaks that could not immediately be contained. The city asked customers to conserve water and placed the system under a boil-water advisory until further notice.
Earley said about 4,000 customers, including a hospital, depend on the McCaysville water system. The disruption also raised questions about the scheduled start of classes Tuesday because several Fannin County schools use city water. Officials had not announced whether the school schedule would change.
Crews, residents and business owners spent Sunday removing mud, clearing roads and assessing damage. The Georgia State Guard sent nine members to support local and county emergency workers and volunteers. State transportation contractors and Georgia Department of Transportation personnel were also working in the area, according to city officials.
Mayor Terry Arp said the city had contacted state and local officials about the construction-related drainage concerns. The Transportation Department had not publicly responded to questions about whether the highway project caused or worsened the flooding. The full extent of the damage and the cost of repairs remained unknown.
The emergency affected McCaysville’s downtown tourist economy. Several shops remained closed while owners removed mud and damaged materials. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway suspended train and rail-bike excursions because of the emergency, saying customers would receive information about rescheduling or refunds.
Blue Ridge Drive reopened to local traffic Sunday afternoon after crews cleared mud and debris, but cleanup and water-system repairs were continuing. The boil-water advisory remained in effect, and officials had not announced when normal water service or all downtown businesses would be restored.
Author note: Last updated August 3, 2026.