At least 45 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 within the southern end of a massive cross-country storm.

WHAT IS A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY?

Police said at least 45 people have been rescued in McCaysville, Georgia, after widespread flooding.

People in some McCaysville neighborhoods had to evacuate immediately just before 3 a.m. local time. Officials said swiftwater rescue teams are still active after water surged into multiple homes and businesses.

The county recreation center is serving as an emergency shelter. The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency just after 5 a.m. and people are being asked to stay out of the city.

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 told FOX Weather at least six buildings caught fire during the storms Wednesday night, 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.

"Nothing to this extent since 1990," said Robert Poole, the Public Information Officer for the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, referring to the area's previous flood of record.

Georgia State Patrol helicopters were on standby to assist with evacuations, officials said.

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

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency told FOX Weather that swiftwater and helicopter rescue teams were active in the area. 

Both Tennessee and Georgia deployed helicopters to help anyone who might have been forced onto roofs due to flooding.

The county road department said the Rogers Creek Bridge was closed after a "large structure in the area broke from its foundation and made contact with the bridge."

Polk County schools were closed Thursday.