McCaysville is facing a messy Sunday after overnight flooding damaged homes and businesses, disrupted the city’s water system and forced officials to declare a state of emergency. Residents are also dealing with a boil water advisory, water conservation orders and a major road closure as crews work through the damage.
According to Atlanta News First, the flooding affected downtown McCaysville and businesses along the Riverwalk. Public Safety Director and Police Chief Michael Otis Earley said residents should avoid downtown and Blue Ridge Drive, which is closed from Pat’s Country Kitchen to the IGA intersection because of hazardous conditions.
Flooding Knocked Out Power At The Water Treatment Plant
The city remains under a boil water advisory until further notice, while residents have been asked to avoid using water for anything nonessential. Earley said the water treatment plant had been without power for an extended period, causing the loss of treated water and leaving officials unable to contain major leaks. “Until power is fully restored and the system is stabilized, it is critical that everyone conserve water,” Earley said, as reported by Atlanta News First.
State Highway 5 Construction Under Scrutiny
The flooding is drawing attention to ongoing work on State Highway 5. The Georgia Department of Transportation project dashboard lists the SR 5 project in Fannin County as under construction, with work planned to widen the route and improve the corridor near McCaysville Industrial Drive.
Earley said the downtown flooding was not caused by the river, but by major drainage problems associated with the road construction. That statement identifies the construction-related drainage issue as the city’s current explanation for the flooding, though additional details about the damage and responsibility were not immediately available.
McCaysville Has Faced Major Flooding Before
The City of McCaysville notes that a devastating 1990 flood sent the Toccoa River over its banks and damaged much of downtown. The city’s latest emergency is different in one important respect: officials say this flooding came from drainage failures tied to construction rather than an overflowing river.
Fannin County government says its Emergency Management Agency coordinates city, county and state efforts during emergencies. Until officials announce that the advisory and closures have been lifted, residents should follow the boil-water guidance, conserve water and stay away from flooded areas and barricaded roads.
