Copperhill, Tennessee —

What is happening:

The city of Copperhill is asking Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to declare a state of emergency for the town as it works to recover from record flooding that struck Thursday, November 5. The Ocoee River crested at 18.05 feet, a record high, after 8 to 10 inches of rain fell overnight across the watershed. The flood swamped downtown Copperhill and put homes and businesses under several feet of water. Polk County declared a local state of emergency the same day, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency activated its State Emergency Operations Center to Level 4 to coordinate the response.

Local impacts:

Swift-water teams from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee National Guard carried out 68 rescues in Polk County. The flooding caused extensive damage through Copperhill's downtown business district, and many residents have not yet been cleared to return to damaged homes while crews keep assessing the damage. Copperhill Utilities has a mandatory water conservation notice in effect. The American Red Cross is running an evacuation center at Copper Basin Fire and Rescue for residents who were displaced, and a supply distribution site is open at the Piggly Wiggly on Five Points Drive. Ocoee River State Park is closed because of flood damage. Across the state line in Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties after the same storm sent the Toccoa River to a record crest.

What to do:

Stay out of Copperhill's closed downtown area and away from the river while cleanup and damage assessments continue.

Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, do not drown.

Follow instructions from Polk County officials and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

If you need shelter or supplies, go to the Red Cross center at Copper Basin Fire and Rescue or the distribution site at the Piggly Wiggly on Five Points Drive.

Check on neighbors who may need help, and conserve water while the Copperhill Utilities notice is in effect.

Source: Local 3 News, November 10, 2026. Reported by TNW News.