Polk County Flooding

Latest Update: November 7, 2026

If you were affected by the Polk County flooding and need help recovering, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). They can connect you with resources and support for needs such as housing, food, transportation, household items and other recovery assistance.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Authority continues coordinating with Polk County officials, local emergency responders, state agencies, and community partners to support residents affected by the flooding in the Copper Basin area. 

More than 100 rescues were conducted in Tennessee and Georgia by Tennessee Fire Mutual Aid swift-water teams. These teams operated with 65 personnel from 18 departments. In addition to the more than 100 people rescued, teams also rescued 25 dogs. All Tennessee Fire Mutual Aid crews demobilized on November 5.

The Copperhill evacuation order has been lifted. Residents should continue monitoring information from local officials.

Cleanup and debris removal efforts are beginning in affected areas. Residents should not enter damaged or debris-filled areas unless it is safe to do so. Before cleanup efforts begin, residents should take photographs and document damage and debris for insurance and recovery purposes.

Residents should follow debris separation guidelines, which can be found below, and separate materials as directed to ensure debris is properly collected. Any additional information about debris removal and pickup will be provided by local officials.

Life safety remains the top priority. Anyone in immediate danger or in need of emergency assistance should call 9-1-1. Residents should follow instructions from local officials and avoid entering Copperhill unless they are designated to assist.

Protective Actions

• Before entering any damaged structures, be sure it is safe to do so. 
• The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has issued a temporary water contact advisory recommending that the public avoid all contact with all surface waterbodies in the Ocoee watershed. TDEC issued this advisory out of an abundance of caution and not based on specific water quality data. Water quality monitoring in these watersheds will resume as areas become safely accessible and conditions improve.
• Stay out of the Copperhill area unless you are designated to assist.
• Follow all posted road closures, traffic diversions, and instructions from local officials. Do not drive through flooded roadways.
• Copperhill Utilities has issued a boiling water advisory. Follow all guidance issued by the utility.
• Monitor official updates from TEMA, Polk County Emergency Management, local officials and utility providers.

Resources

All resources, opportunities, and information is for November 7, 2026. Please note that the information provided was gathered from various sources and has not been independently verified; availability may change.

If you were affected by the Polk County flooding and need help recovering, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). They can connect you with resources and support for needs such as housing, food, transportation, household items and other recovery assistance.

Other known resources available in Polk County can be found below.