Kemp Declares Emergency in Four North Georgia Counties
Flooding destroyed homes and damaged roads in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties, prompting evacuations.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties after catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and damaged roads. Many residents were evacuated, mostly in McCaysville along the Toccoa River, and the floodwaters have mainly receded.
Why it matters
The order makes all state resources available for recovery in the four counties and prohibits price gouging on water, fuel and other necessities. Governor Kemp said it ensures all necessary resources are available to assist communities affected by the flooding.
The Toccoa River crested at a record 18.05 feet, surpassing the 17.75-foot high set in 1990. Damage totals and the number of displaced residents have not yet been reported.
The players
Brian Kemp
Brian Kemp is the Governor of Georgia who issued the executive order declaring the state of emergency.
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is the state agency responsible for coordinating emergency response and recovery, and it can activate the state emergency operations center.
The details
Flooding across north Georgia destroyed homes, damaged roads and forced evacuations, with most evacuations occurring in McCaysville along the Toccoa River. The executive order also activates the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency's emergency operations center to coordinate state agency response.
Timeline
1990: A flood set the previous Toccoa River record of 17.75 feet.
November 6, 2026: The State of Emergency was issued.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: The state of emergency is scheduled to expire, and Governor Kemp may renew it.
Seasonal Patterns
The Toccoa River's crest of 18.05 feet exceeds the record of 17.75 feet set during the 1990 flood, marking a new high-water benchmark for the river. Comparing this event to the 1990 flood shows the river has now reached a higher crest than any previously recorded.
Residents in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties should follow official guidance from state and local authorities regarding evacuations and recovery. Under the executive order, price gouging on water, fuel and other necessary products is prohibited.
The takeaway
Record river crests can overwhelm communities quickly, so residents in flood-prone areas should monitor official alerts and plan evacuation routes in advance. State coordination through emergency operations centers is central to recovery once floodwaters begin to recede.
What happens next
The state of emergency is scheduled to expire on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., and Governor Kemp has the option to renew it.
Further reading
For more on how states coordinate disaster response, see Emergency Response coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta.
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