Clay County Hit by Significant Flooding, Emergency Teams Respond

(Photo by Spence Wharton on Facebook) A portion of Fires Creek Road was submerged following the heavy rains that passed through the area.

Heavy rainfall overnight from April 6 into the morning of April 7 triggered widespread flooding in Clay County, North Carolina, according to a statement released today by Jeff Ledford, Director of Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services. The relentless downpour, which ended around 9 AM, caused Tusquittee and Brasstown Creeks to overflow, sending water surging through multiple areas of the county.

Approximately 25 homes have been impacted by the floodwaters, with the most severe damage reported in the lower levels of three residences. The Tusquittee Lane area has seen the majority of the affected homes, though additional damage extends to Pinelog and further upstream along Tusquittee Creek. The flooding also disrupted local infrastructure, closing roads such as Tusquittee Creek Road, Riverbend Road, and Julia Buckner Road. A bridge on Compass Creek was completely washed out, though determined local residents have already begun repair efforts.

Emergency response teams sprang into action, with coordinated efforts from local fire and rescue, the Sheriff's Office, EMS, Emergency Management, NC Emergency Management, and Clay County Management. These groups worked together to manage the crisis and formulate response strategies. Jeff Ledford praised the collaborative effort, noting its effectiveness in addressing the immediate challenges posed by the flooding.

As the county begins to recover, further damage assessments are scheduled to start this morning. These evaluations will provide a clearer picture of the flooding’s full impact on Clay County’s residents and infrastructure.