Heavy rains spark flash floods, state of emergency across North Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Parts of north Georgia are cleaning up Thursday after devastating flash flooding caused widespread damage and led to mass evacuations and power outages.McCaysville, which is on the Georgia-Tennessee border, is under a state of emergency after the city was inundated with rushing water from the nearly Toccoa River. McCaysville under waterMore than 30 water rescues were undertaken by emergency personnel manning boats, said Michael Earley, McCaysville’s chief of police.“I’ve never seen flooding like this in my life,” Earley said, adding that the water in some areas downtown was 6-7 feet high. “Anybody that’s willing to help, we’re asking for help.”READ: Water rescues underway in McCaysvilleChatsworth, Ellijay and Blue Ridge received flash flood warnings until 7 a.m. The National Weather Service has put McCaysville under a flash flood emergency until 11 a.m.The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency advised residents to stay off the roads due to danger