At least 20 rescued amid Flash Flood Emergency along Georgia-Tennessee border as river rises to record level

THE TAKEAWAY

Torrential rain triggered Flash Flood Emergencies across Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, along the state line early Thursday after storms fired along the southern end of a massive cross-country storm.

WHAT IS A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY?

Police in McCaysville, Georgia, asked people in some neighborhoods to evacuate immediately just before 3 a.m. local time. Fannin County officials said swiftwater rescues were underway amid widespread flooding with water into multiple homes.

The county recreation center is serving as an emergency shelter. The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency just after 5 a.m.

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST SNOWFALL ON RECORD FOR PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST?

Governor Brian Kemp said a multi-agency and multi-state response is underway.

Fannin County officials told FOX Weather that at least 20 people have been rescued by water rescue teams.

The flooding caused a propane tank to catch fire and later explode outside a local business in McCaysville. County officials said several buildings caught fire during the storms, 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 5-8 inches of rain fell across much of the region over just 12 hours.

Georgia State Patrol helicopters are on standby to assist with evacuations, the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency said.

The City of Copperhill, Tennessee, said early Thursday that the city is closed and warned people to stay away from the downtown or any areas along the river.

Polk County schools were closed Thursday.