TVA warns dangerous Toccoa River conditions may persist for days after record flood

The Tennessee Valley Authority warned on Friday that dangerous river conditions could persist for several days around McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, even as floodwaters from the record Toccoa River crest begin to recede.

FOX Chattanooga reported that TVA expects water levels to fluctuate over the coming days as it manages releases and works to restore flood-storage capacity. The agency cautioned that fast-moving water can remain hazardous after rain has stopped.

Dam operations and river risks

TVA has stopped releases at Blue Ridge Dam while holding back water. The authority expects the lake level there to rise by about two feet and advised marina and shoreline property owners to secure docks and equipment.

Crews have repaired erosion on the downstream face of Blue Ridge Dam and were about 90% finished with the work, according to FOX Chattanooga. The outlet reported TVA’s assurance that the erosion work does not affect the dam’s structural integrity.

TVA is also maintaining maximum releases at Ocoee Dam No. 3 to move water through the system. Officials warned of strong currents downstream near Parksville and Ocoee Dam No. 1, and said residents and people helping with clean-up should stay away from rivers and streams.

Record flooding hit the Georgia-Tennessee border

The warning follows Thursday’s severe flooding in McCaysville and neighbouring Copperhill. FOX Chattanooga reported that heavy runoff after some areas received 8 to 10 inches of rain pushed the Toccoa River above 18 feet. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the record crest inundated riverfront structures and forced residents from their homes.

Atlanta News First reported that swiftwater teams rescued more than 80 people, citing officials, while the water system in McCaysville was out of service and a boil-water advisory was in effect. The flooding submerged parts of downtown and prompted emergency measures in the area.

TVA said water levels could continue changing as crews coordinate releases with local emergency officials and work to regain flood-storage capacity. The authority directed residents to its lake-level information for updates; the supplied reporting does not give a time when dangerous conditions are expected to end.