Storms that caused 1-in-1,000 year flood event in Tennessee and Georgia move up Atlantic coast
A catastrophic 1,000-year flood struck Tennessee and Georgia, prompting flood advisories along the Eastern Seaboard. The storm system dumped record-breaking rainfall in mountainous regions, with 10.28 inches measured in McCaysville, Georgia, and 11.19 inches recorded over 12 hours in Copperhill, Tennessee. The Toccoa River's waters surged, prompting swift-water rescue efforts and leaving downtown areas inundated with mud.
One death was reported after Julie Barrs, 56, tried to drive through floodwaters in Murray County, Georgia. The flooding brought back memories of the August 2025 disaster, which was classified as a 1-in-500 year event. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for four affected counties. McCaysville and Copperhill, known for their scenic railways, faced significant losses, with many businesses and infrastructure damaged.
The towns' residents and crews worked tirelessly to clean up and recover, with a curfew in effect until dawn.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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