Flash Report #5 Hurricane Helene

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
• Yesterday, TVA reported a Condition Red for the Nolichucky Dam; however, overnight levels have crested, and the dam remains intact. There are no reports of dam failures to date.
• FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi.· FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington counties.
• On behalf of Gov. Lee, Director Patrick C. Sheehan has submitted an amendment to Tennessee's Public Assistance Emergency Declaration to add Greene and Hamblen counties to the request for direct federal assistance and to authorize Cocke County for additional assistance.
• Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
• Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate.
• Requests for assistance are being fulfilled.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TN Department of Military, and more are monitoring and responding to the situation to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
• Northeast Tennessee continues to be impacted by flooding. If you live in a flood prone area, please find higher ground, evacuate if you are told to, and stay informed of the evolving situation.
• Sheltering locations can be found on TEMA's website.
• Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT's SmartWay website.

CURRENT SITUATION

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.

Yesterday, TVA reported a Condition Red for the Nolichucky Dam; however, overnight levels have crested, and the dam remains intact. Other infrastructure impacts include water and wastewater plants that have been impacted or are reporting problems. If you are without water, please check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.

Due to the continued impacts, Gov. Bill Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency through Executive Order 105 to provide critical relief to survivors of the severe weather and flooding in Tennessee. FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi. FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington counties. On behalf of Gov. Lee, Director Patrick C. Sheehan has submitted an amendment to Tennessee's Public Assistance Emergency Declaration to add Greene and Hamblen counties to the request for direct federal assistance and to authorize Cocke county for additional assistance.

Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.

Our partners with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee National Guard have started aviation rescue operations for individuals who need to be evacuated from flood-impacted areas.

In true Volunteer Spirit, we have received many questions on how individuals and organizations can help Tennesseans impacted by Helene. TEMA and our local partners are not currently accepting volunteers or material donations until the life safety mission is complete. Please do not self-deploy to disaster areas, this could hinder response and recovery operations. We will continue to share updates on our website and social media channels.

TEMA continues to deploy personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met.

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES

• As of September 28, at 10:00 a.m. CDT, there are approximately 60,000 reports of power outages statewide.
• TVA reported a Condition Red for the Nolichucky Dam; however, overnight levels have crested, and the dam remains intact.
• TVA continues to monitor water levels.
• Duke Energy has confirmed that the Walters Dam has not failed.
• Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
  • Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Planto
  • Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Unicoi County, Erwin Wastewater Treatment Plant
• As of 11:30 a.m. CDT on Sept. 28, six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and two water systems have issued Boil Water Advisories. If you have lost water or have a loss of water pressure, check with your water system for more information and recommended actions:

Reported Issues w/ Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County- Water System)

Carter County - Elizabeth Water Department

Johnson County - Mountain City Water Department

Reported Issues w/out Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County- Water System)

Carter County - Roan Mountain Utility District

Carter County - Hampton Utility District

Carter County - South Elizabethton Utility District

Cocke County - Newport Utilities Board

Greene County - Chuckey Utility District

Greene County - Greenville Water and Light Commission

Greene County - Glen Hills Utility District

Johnson County - Brownlow Utility District

Johnson County - Carderview Utility District

Unicoi County - Erwin Utilities Authority

Washington County- Jonesborough Water Department

SHELTERING LOCATIONS

• Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross have opened storm shelters and overnight shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA's website.

THP

• THP is providing assistance with law enforcement responsibilities in response to flooding and damage in the affected counties.
• North Carolina has closed I-40 West of Asheville at the state line.
• I-26 at 40 mm is closed in Unicoi County due to flooding.
• THP aviation continues to work direct rescues.

TDH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities or injuries.
• Several county health departments have been closed due to impacts.

TDOT

• TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions across the state and assist with flooding and debris removal.
• Several roads have been closed. Before you go out, check road conditions on TDOT's SmartWay website.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

• Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
• Tune into information provided by local officials on evacuation and shelter-in-place guidance.
• Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don't drown.
• Continue to monitor for updated weather information from reliable sources.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.

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