# Severe flooding in the Southeastern United States

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/severe-flooding-in-the-southeastern-united-states
> Updated: 2026-11-05T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

In early November 2026, severe weather systems caused widespread flooding across several states in the Southeastern United States.

In Florida, a low-pressure system over the Gulf triggered deadly flooding that resulted in at least two deaths. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in seven counties, including Brevard, DeSoto, and St. Lucie, to facilitate National Guard activation and allow for the relocation of polling stations. In areas like Palm Bay, water levels reached up to 38 inches, necessitating rescues by boat and high-water vehicles.

By November 5, catastrophic flash flooding impacted the border region of Georgia and Tennessee due to a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event. Torrential rains, measuring between 8 and 11 inches in some areas, caused the Toccoa River in Georgia to reach a record high of approximately 18 feet, subsequently swelling the Ocoee River in Tennessee. In some areas, the river rose approximately 16 feet within a 12-hour period, submerging buildings to their rooflines and causing mudslides.

Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties. McCaysville, Georgia, also declared a state of emergency, implemented a mandatory curfew, and closed the city to non-essential personnel. Emergency responders, including swift-water teams and U.S. Army Rangers, conducted over 100 rescues across North Georgia. One driver died in Murray County after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. The flooding caused significant infrastructure damage, including the shutdown of McCaysville’s water treatment plant, power outages, and substantial inventory losses for local businesses. The Tennessee Valley Authority managed high water levels at three hydroelectric dams to mitigate the impact.

## Claims

- The Toccoa River reached a record high of 18 feet. (reported by 11 sources)
- Rainfall totals reached between 6 and 10 inches in parts of northern Georgia. (reported by 10 sources)
- McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley reported over 30 rescues in McCaysville. (reported by 9 sources)
- Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Union counties in Georgia. (reported by 8 sources)
- The Tennessee Valley Authority managed high water levels at three hydroelectric dams. (reported by 6 sources)
- At least 57 people were rescued by swift-water teams in Georgia. (reported by 3 sources)
- Approximately 68 rescues were reported in Tennessee. (reported by 3 sources)
- A business owner reported inventory losses between $200,000 and $300,000. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-05: Georgia and Tennessee face catastrophic 1,000-year flood event

Record-breaking rainfall triggered a 1,000-year flood event on the Georgia-Tennessee border, causing at least one death, over 80 rescues, and widespread property damage in McCaysville and Copperhill.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flooding-triggers-rescues-and-evacuations-in-north-georgia-and-tennessee

### 2026-11-03: Florida declares state of emergency amid deadly flooding

Two people are dead and hundreds have been rescued as severe flooding hits multiple Florida counties, prompting Governor DeSantis to declare a state of emergency.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-flooding-and-plane-crash

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Cite as: Severe flooding in the Southeastern United States. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/severe-flooding-in-the-southeastern-united-states