Quick answer
For water damage in McCaysville, GA, shut off your main valve first, or turn off the well pump breaker if you are on a private well. For a leak at the meter or in the street, call the City of McCaysville at 706-492-4921; for an emergency, call 911. Then call a water damage restoration company; drying should start within 24 to 48 hours, before mold sets in.
Do this first
After-hours water lines.
- Shut off the water. Close your main valve, and do not turn power back on in a flooded building until an electrician checks it. For a leak at the meter or in the street, call the City of McCaysville at 706-492-4921. For an emergency, call 911.
- Make it safe and document it. Cut power to wet rooms from a dry spot, photograph the damage, then report the claim.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. Flooded walls usually have to be opened up so the cavities can dry. Older downtown buildings with plaster and masonry take longer.
The Toccoa River can rise fast after heavy rain upstream. Never drive or walk through floodwater. River floodwater carries sewage and fuel, so treat everything it touched as contaminated.
What to know about water damage in McCaysville
6 ft
Depth of floodwater in parts of downtown McCaysville on November 5, 2026, when the Toccoa River set a record crest of 18.05 feet at Copperhill. AP reported some buildings submerged to their rooflines.
Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, WLOS, Associated Press
Tap water after the flood
As of November 8, the city's water was back on but not yet safe to drink. Check the city's notices before using tap water for drinking or cooking.
Source: Local 3 News
Worse than 1990
The river had last flooded downtown on February 16, 1990, when it submerged much of the business district in McCaysville and Copperhill. The 2026 crest topped that 1990 record.
Twin city on the state line
The Georgia and Tennessee line runs through downtown, so McCaysville and Copperhill have separate city and state services. The river is the Toccoa in Georgia and the Ocoee in Tennessee.
Source: Wikipedia
Homes in 30555
The median home in ZIP 30555 was built in 1983; 44% were built before 1980 and 85% are owner-occupied.
12 flood insurance claims
Since 1990, the National Flood Insurance Program has recorded 12 flood claims on buildings in ZIP 30555. The most came in 2004, with 4, from Tropical Storm Ivan. Buildings without flood insurance are not counted.
Source: FEMA NFIP claims data (OpenFEMA)
Check your ZIP
Flash flood warnings in Fannin County
The National Weather Service issued 28 flash flood warnings that included Fannin County from 2016 through November 11, 2026. The year-by-year count is on the Blue Ridge page.
Cost and insurance in McCaysville
How much does water damage restoration cost in McCaysville?
Most jobs run $450 to $16,000 (Angi). River flooding needs a separate flood policy. Flooded walls, plaster, and masonry take longer.
Water removal and restoration in McCaysville
The company that answers handles Toccoa River floodwater, mud and debris in lower floors, and contaminated contents, plus burst pipes, appliance leaks, drying, and septic backups.
McCaysville questions
My home or business flooded on November 5. What do I do first?
Stay out until it is safe, then photograph every room and item before removing anything. Pull out wet carpet, drywall, and insulation as soon as you can, since floodwater is contaminated and mold can start in 24 to 48 hours. Report the damage to your insurer and to Fannin County.
Will insurance pay for the November flood?
Standard homeowners and business property policies usually exclude rising river water. A flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer is what usually covers it. If federal disaster aid is declared, FEMA assistance may also be available.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
As of November 8, the city said its water was back on but not yet safe to drink. Check the City of McCaysville's current notices before drinking or cooking with tap water.
Which ZIP codes does this page cover?
ZIP 30555, including McCaysville and nearby parts of the county. For Mineral Bluff, see the Mineral Bluff page.
Related guides
Water damage in Epworth- Burst pipe, not frozen
- Water mitigation vs. restoration
- Mold after water damage
- Mold remediation cost
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
- How long water damage takes to dry
- Water in the crawl space
Local phone numbers checked November 2026: