Heavy rain triggers flash flood emergency in Southern states as cross-country storm shifts east

Heavy rain caused flash flood emergencies in Polk County, Tennessee, and Fannin County, Georgia, early Thursday as storms along a large system moved east. Flooding forced evacuation requests, prompted swiftwater rescues and led McCaysville to declare a state of emergency, highlighting the immediate danger to communities beside swollen rivers.

Between 5 and 8 inches of rain fell in parts of the region in 12 hours, pushing the Ocoee River into major flood stage and sending water into homes; a propane tank also caught fire at a McCaysville business. Copperhill closed and warned people to avoid downtown and riverside areas, while Polk County schools shut for the day. The storm is expected to bring further rain to the Northeast, where some coastal areas could see 2 to 3 inches after more than two weeks of dry weather.