THE TAKEAWAY
After torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, along the state line early Thursday, recovery has started.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Thursday for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties in response to the flooding.
A driver died after floodwaters swept their vehicle away in Murray County, said Josh Lamb, Director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Officials said at least 100 people were rescued across Fannin and Gilmer counties in Georgia, following the widespread flooding.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee's Polk County, at least 68 people were rescued, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency in the county.
Starting at 3 a.m. Thursday, people in some McCaysville, Georgia neighborhoods had to evacuate immediately. Officials said swift water rescue teams went into action after water surged into multiple homes and businesses.
The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency early Thursday morning and people were asked to stay out of the city as clean-up is underway.
The flooding caused a propane tank to catch fire and later explode outside a local business in McCaysville. Police said a firefighter was injured, but not seriously hurt during the incident.
Fannin County officials told FOX Weather at least six buildings caught fire during the storms Wednesday night, which they believe to have been caused by lightning.
The Toccoa River in Georgia and the Ocoee River in Tennessee surged into major flood stage, cresting at a new record over 18 feet after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell across much of the region over just 12 hours.
WHEN IS THE EARLIEST SNOWFALL ON RECORD FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?
"Nothing to this extent since 1990," said Robert Poole, the public information officer for the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, referring to the area's previous flood of record.
Georgia State Patrol helicopters were on standby to assist with evacuations, officials said.
The City of Copperhill, Tennessee, said the city is closed and warned people to stay away from the downtown or any areas along the river.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency told FOX Weather that swift water and helicopter rescue teams were active in the area during the flooding.
The county road department said the Rogers Creek Bridge was closed after a "large structure in the area broke from its foundation and made contact with the bridge."
Late Thursday morning, Ocoee River in Polk County recorded a record-high crest at 18.05 feet, according to NOAA.
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