One week after devastating flooding, McCaysville still surveying, cleaning up damage

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google MCCAYSVILLE, Ga.(Atlanta News First) — One week after devastating floodwaters destroyed much of McCaysville, many residents are still without electricity and a boil water advisory remains in place. As the recovery continues, volunteers are outnumbering residents as they work to remove water-damaged belongings from homes and businesses before mold can set in. Atlanta News First’s Tracey Amick Peer rode along with McCaysville Police Chief Mike Earley, who says it could be decades before the town fully recovers. One week after floodwaters tore through the North Georgia town, the destruction remains visible throughout McCaysville. “It’s kind of like a bomb went off,” Earley said. RELATED: Curfew in McCaysville lifted a week after devastating floods Some of the damage is immediately obvious, including along a strip of downtown businesses. “You can look down the hallways of these businesses. This was an ice cream shop. It’s just a complete shell,” Earley said. Along West Tennessee Avenue, piles of debris contain belongings from homes and businesses destroyed by the flooding. In other areas, the damage is less obvious. Furniture sits piled outside homes, while vehicles were swept away and left sometimes blocks from where they were parked. “In a matter of hours, they lost their home, their vehicles and their job,” Earley said. Even buildings that appear to still be standing have suffered significant damage. “Basically, these businesses have been completely gutted to the studs or the block,” Earley said. MORE COVERAGE: LIST: Emergency resources for McCaysville, Copperhill residents impacted by flooding McCaysville bookstore owner unsure about reopening after flood Days after deadly flooding, McCaysville in water crisis Volunteers deliver water, supplies as McCaysville recovers from deadly flooding Close McCaysville continues to clean up after catastrophic flooding McCaysville businesses cleanup to start over after devastating flooding During the drive, Peer and Earley came across Ray Thomas, who was gutting a relative’s home along the river. Thomas shared video from Thursday morning, showing how quickly the water rose. “Maybe three minutes from water up over the ankles to maybe their knees, and then the next couple of minutes, it was slap up to the windows. They barely made it out of here alive,” Thomas said. Thomas also showed water lines marking how high the floodwaters reached. Earley said those same water lines tell the story of the destruction throughout McCaysville. “That’s the most catastrophic thing that took place, is the level and amount of water that came through this town,” Earley said. Earley said many residents may not return, and McCaysville is now facing years of recovery. “It’s devastating. It hits me a couple of times a day, just when you know these people by their first name, you know their family and their children, and having to see them go through this, ongoing through this with them,” Earley said. For now, Earley said the town has enough food and water to meet immediate needs. However, recovery crews still need squeegees and wheelbarrows to help with cleanup. With temperatures expected to drop this weekend, propane heaters and tanks are also crucial needs for the community. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.