McCaysville flooding triggers more than 30 water rescues, police chief says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Emergency personnel have carried out more than 30 water rescues in McCaysville as heavy rain and flooding hit the region overnight, according to the city’s chief of police. Chief Michael Earley said the water in some downtown areas was 6 to 7 feet high. The National Weather Service has put McCaysville under a flash flood emergency until 9 a.m.According to Earley, the water has risen over the roofs of some homes in the area, and the rescue boats are having trouble navigating the rushing water. Copperhill City Hall, McCaysville City Hall and the Fannin County Recreation Center are open as shelters.MORE COVERAGE: Heavy rains trigger flash flooding across North Georgia“I’ve never seen flooding like this in my life,” Earley said. “Anybody that’s willing to help, we’re asking for help.”Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration puts the river’s height at 18.05 feet, past its previous record of 17.8 feet set on Feb. 16, 1990. Earley said