McCaysville businesses cleanup to start over after devastating flooding

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google MCCAYSVILLE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Days after floodwaters devastated the north Georgia town of McCaysville, residents and business owners are still dealing with the damage. A boil water advisory remains in place, and most of the town is still without electricity. A curfew is also in effect, and the town remains officially closed. Those seen in the area are part of the recovery effort, helping residents and business owners remove damaged belongings and debris. On Tuesday, Donna Tressler spent much of the day clearing out what was once Dixie Discount and Donna’s Flowers, her family’s gift store that had been in business for 30 years. Located near Blue Ridge Drive and East Tennessee Avenue, the store was flooded along with the rest of downtown McCaysville. A visible water line on the front door shows how high the floodwaters reached. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fannin County students will head back to class Thursday after destructive flooding Tressler said the store carried knives, jewelry, gifts and flowers. The damage has forced her to completely gut the building. She said eight dumpsters of debris have already been filled and removed. Rebuilding could be difficult. Tressler said she had regular insurance for the business but did not have flood insurance because the cost had risen to $5,000 a year, an expense she could not afford. The timing of the flooding is also a concern. Tressler said the town is heading into what would normally be its busy season, when tourists help support local businesses. Despite the devastation, one surviving item offered her a different perspective. Tressler pointed to a statue of the Holy Family that remained standing after the floodwaters receded. She said that is a good reminder that the Christmas season is not about shopping and gifts, emphasizing that its meaning is centered on the birth of Jesus. Meanwhile, recovery resources are now available. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency was in McCaysville Tuesday, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to arrive Wednesday to help homeowners and business owners access resources. As temperatures are expected to drop this weekend, the Fannin County Recreation Department will reopen as a shelter. MORE COVERAGE: LIST: Emergency resources for McCaysville, Copperhill residents impacted by flooding McCaysville bookstore owner unsure about reopening after flood Days after deadly flooding, McCaysville in water crisis Volunteers deliver water, supplies as McCaysville recovers from deadly flooding Close McCaysville continues to clean up after catastrophic flooding Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.