Overview
- Severe flooding in downtown McCaysville inundated businesses, homes and public buildings and prompted city officials to declare a State of Emergency.
- City officials attribute the flooding to drainage failures connected to State Highway 5 construction rather than river overflow and say they will press GDOT and contractors for answers.
- The municipal water treatment plant lost power and crews reported multiple water-main breaks, so the city has ordered strict water conservation and issued a boil water advisory.
- Blue Ridge Drive was reopened to through traffic to aid movement but residents are asked to limit travel so cleanup crews and emergency teams can work safely.
- The Tennessee Valley Authority is delivering bottled water to distribute at no cost and city leaders warn that service interruptions and public-health risks could continue until repairs are completed.