Major flash flooding prompts aerial rescues along TN/GA border – WSMV

Major flash flooding prompts aerial rescues along TN/GA border  WSMV

Extreme storm runoff overnight caused life-threating flooding across the Ocoee river basin, prompting mass evacuations and ongoing arial rescues in southeast Tennessee and north Georgia. COPPERHILL, Tenn. (WSMV) – Severe overnight thunderstorms dumped relentless, torrential downpours across southeast Tennessee and north Georgia, triggering life-threatening flash flooding, submerging roadways, and prompting emergency water rescues early Thursday morning. The rapid deluge caused the Ocoee River to surge past its banks, inundating low-lying communities near the state line. In Copperhill, emergency response teams were forced to launch urgent water rescues as rising floodwaters cut off access to homes and structures. Tennessee emergency personnel are actively deploying aerial search and rescue teams to reach stranded residents.

Radar estimated rainfall totals indicate that several inches of rain fell in just a few short hours overnight, with a concentrated bullseye of more than 6 inches hammering the corridor between McCaysville and Blue Ridge, Georgia. The localized extreme rainfall quickly overwhelmed local drainage systems and small tributaries, funneling dangerous runoff directly into the Ocoee basin. Polk County emergency officials are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid flooded areas, reminding motorists to never drive through standing water across roadways. Flash flooding conditions can develop rapidly and remain hazardous even after rainfall has tapered off. Stay tuned to your First Alert Weather app and local updates