MCCAYSVILLE, GA — Cleanup efforts are underway in Fannin County after historic flooding damaged homes and businesses, forced dozens of water rescues and left parts of north Georgia recovering from heavy rainfall.

More than 50 people were rescued by boat in Fannin County after overnight storms brought widespread flooding into Thursday morning.

The Toccoa River rose to approximately 18 feet, reaching its highest recorded flood stage. Meteorologist Leslie Lopez reported that nearly a foot of rain fell in the area, causing the river to rise 14 feet in just seven hours.

In McCaysville, floodwaters entered businesses and damaged homes, with some houses swept off their foundations.

Hugh Rogers, who owns a local drug store, described the damage left behind.

“Water was rising and coming into the store buildings around, there was maybe 4 to 5 feet of water in here,” Rogers said.

Rogers also expressed concern for others in the community who suffered significant losses.

“It’s a little bit heartbreaking; a lot of people have lost their homes and everything they have,” Rogers said.

The flooding also affected neighboring Copperhill, Tennessee, where first responders rescued more than 60 people. The community was still recovering from flooding in August, and its police station had reopened just last week.

A state of emergency remains in effect for Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Murray counties.

An overnight curfew in McCaysville expired Friday morning, but a boil water advisory remains in effect for the area.

Fannin County schools remain closed Friday because of the flooding, while students in Gilmer County returned to class.

The Red Cross has opened a shelter for residents whose homes were affected by the flooding.

Despite the widespread damage, no serious injuries or deaths have been reported.