Flash Report #3 - Hurricane Helene

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
• Duke Energy Officials have confirmed that the Walters Dam has not failed. Cocke County continues to tell residents who live along the river to evacuate.
• Individuals have been rescued from Unicoi County Hospital.
• Local officials in Washington County and Cocke County have told residents to evacuate.
• Hawkins County officials have told residents to shelter-in-place.
• 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

Heavy rain has come to an end across eastern TN with heaviest rain now focused across Middle and Western portions of the state. Significant flooding is ongoing across Northeastern TN, and this will continue overnight as rivers and creeks respond to all the rain that has fallen. While scattered rain showers linger through the weekend as the remnants of Helene stay in the area, the heaviest rain will taper off overnight. Gusty winds over 40 mph will also diminish overnight.

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. Gov. Lee also will be requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide impacted Tennessee counties with additional relief and resources.

Washington and Cocke counties have both issued protective actions to their residents to evacuate their residence. Hawkins County has issued a shelter-in-place order. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.

Earlier today, Unicoi County Hospital was inundated, and patients, staff, and emergency responders were in need of evacuation. Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, TEMA was able to receive support from the Virginia State Police, in addition to the Tennessee National Guard and Tennessee Highway Patrol, to safely evacuate more than 50 individuals from the hospital. Additionally, Duke Energy has confirmed that the Walters Dam has not failed. However, other water infrastructure is being impacted due to ongoing flooding.

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 27, at 4:30 p.m. CDT, there are 100,900 reports of power outages statewide.
• TVA continues to monitor water levels and will be opening spillways to manage levels.
• Duke Energy has confirmed that the Walters Dam has not failed.
• Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board Wastewater plant has shut down due to flooding.
• As of 5:30 p.m. CDT on Sept. 27, five counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and one water system has issued Boil Water Advisory. 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)

Cocke County- Newport Utilities Board

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

Carter County- Roan Mountain Utility District

Greene County- Chuckey Utility District

Johnson County- Brownlow 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.
• 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 has completed 13 rescues.

TDH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities or injuries.
• Unicoi County Hospital has been safely evacuated.
• 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

• 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.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.