COPPERHILL, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Residents in Copperhill are beginning the difficult process of recovery after record flooding along the Ocoee River inundated homes, businesses and downtown streets, forcing dozens of water rescues and prompting a state of emergency in Polk County.
Among those displaced is Ashley Johnson and her family, who escaped their flooded home by rescue boat early Thursday morning with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
“We don’t even have shoes on our feet right now,” Johnson said. “The only thing we have is our clothes on our back.”
Johnson, her husband and their two young children live on Tennessee Avenue next to the Ocoee River. She said a neighbor alerted them in the early morning hours that floodwaters were rapidly rising.
By the time rescuers arrived, water was already entering their home.
“The water started pouring in,” Johnson said. “We opened the door and started yelling for help.”
She said their truck was swept away by floodwaters and at least four feet of water entered the family home.
Johnson said emergency alerts were sent to phones, but she wished residents had received more direct warning before conditions became life-threatening.
River Sets All-Time Record
State officials reported the Ocoee River crested at a record 18.05 feet Thursday morning, surpassing the previous high-water mark of 17.8 feet set in 1990.
Emergency management officials said between eight and 10 inches of rain fell overnight across the watershed feeding into the river, causing water levels to rise rapidly through downtown Copperhill.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Polk County declared a state of emergency and the State Emergency Operations Center was activated at Level 4.
Authorities reported 68 water rescues were completed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee National Guard.
Downtown Businesses Suffer Major Damage
Copperhill Mayor Greg Barker said the flooding has caused extensive destruction throughout the city’s downtown business district.
“Huge loss to our entire downtown,” Barker said. “Pretty much every business that is in our city center has a tremendous amount of damage.”
According to Barker, many businesses took on between three and five feet of water and mud. He described the flooding as the worst the city has experienced since the devastating flood of 1990.
Despite the widespread damage, Barker expressed optimism about the community’s recovery.
“Just like in 1990, we’re going to get shovels. And we’re going to get dumpsters. And we’re going to shovel the mud out,” Barker said. “We’re going to get Copperhill back on track.”
Residents have not yet been cleared to return to many affected homes as crews continue damage assessments and cleanup operations.
Relief Efforts Underway
Flooding also damaged community infrastructure. City officials say main water lines have been compromised, leading to a boil water advisory and water conservation notice.
The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at Copper Basin Fire and Rescue, while emergency supplies are being distributed through the Piggly Wiggly on Five Points Drive.
The Polk County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Ocoee Region have established donation funds to assist affected residents and businesses.
Chamber Director Lynne McCleary said community organizations are working to coordinate donations of food, baby supplies and financial assistance for families impacted by the flooding.
As floodwaters continue to recede, local leaders say the focus is shifting from rescue operations to recovery, cleanup and rebuilding across the Copper Basin.
