Flash Report #8 Hurricane Helene

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Gov. Bill Lee requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration (Public Assistance and Individual Assistance) on September 30, 2024, for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Grainger County was also included on this expedited request but only for Public Assistance. This request, if granted, would be in addition to the federal assistance that has already been authorized by FEMA for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties in the previous Emergency Declarations.
• The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance.
• Water and wastewater infrastructure remain impacted across the affected area and multiple boil water advisories remain in effect.
• Requests for assistance are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center, including private sector aide.
• Emergency Services 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.

CURRENT SITUATION

Gov. Bill Lee requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration (Public Assistance and Individual Assistance) on September 30, 2024, for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Grainger County was also included on this expedited request but only for Public Assistance. This request, if granted, would be in addition to the federal assistance that has already been authorized by FEMA for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties in the previous Emergency Declarations.

As floodwaters continue to recede, we are beginning to have a better understanding of impacted water and wastewater infrastructure and some plants have reported problems. If you are without water, please check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.

More information about donation centers can be found on TEMA's website. Before donating, please check with the county for a needs list. Additionally, a fund with the East Tennessee Foundation has been established for monetary donations.

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. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES

• As of Oct. 1, at 12:30 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 5,000 reports of power outages statewide.
• TVA continues to monitor water levels.
• Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
  • Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board
  • Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Hamblen County, Morristown Lowlands Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority
• As of 3:00 p.m. CDT on Oct. 1, 21 drinking water facilities have reported operational issues. Of those, 17 facilities 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-Elizabethton Water Department

Carter County-First Utility District of Carter County

Carter County-South Elizabethton Utility District

Cocke County-Newport Utilities Board

Greene County-Cross Anchor Utility District

Greene County-Chuckey Utility District

Greene County-Glen Hills Utility District

Greene County-Greenville Water and Light Commission

Greene County-Mosheim Utility District

Greene County-North Greene Utilities

Jefferson County-Dandridge Water Department

Johnson County-Mountain City Water Department

Sevier County-Webb Creek Utility District

Sullivan County-Intermont Utility District

Unicoi County-Erwin Utilities Authority

Unicoi County-Unicoi Utility District

Washington County- Jonesborough 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

Greene County-Old Knoxville Hwy Utility District

Johnson County- Brownlow Utility District

TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline (1-800-TBI-FIND/1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts.

As of Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received more than 500 calls regarding missing individuals. Of those, approximately 46 are still active leads that TBI is coordinating with local law enforcement response. This number does not represent the total of unaccounted individuals, just public leads that still need to be cleared.

• Carter County: 7
• Johnson County: 7
• Unicoi County: 7
• Other: 25

SHELTERING LOCATIONS

Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross are managing shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA's website.

TN DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY PATROL

• THP is providing assistance with traffic, welfare, searches, and other law enforcement responsibilities in response to flooding and damage in the affected counties.
• THP is delivering commodities to survivors.
• THP flew TDOT engineers to possible landslide locations.
• THP is collaborating with TBI to assist with reunification.
• North Carolina has closed I-40 at the state line.
• I-26 at 40 mm is closed in Unicoi County due to flooding.

TN DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

Driver Services Division is issuing duplicate identification licenses and driver licenses at the Unicoi Police Department and Newport Grammar School for survivors. The following locations are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, 2024.

Temporary Driver Services Locations:

Elizabethton Driver Services Center

1741 HWY 19 E Bypass

Elizabethton, TN 37643

Newport Grammar School

301 College Street

Newport, TN 37821

Unicoi Police Department

3600 Unicoi Drive

Unicoi, TN 37692

TN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

If your job was impacted by the flooding in East Tennessee, you can apply for state unemployment now while Tennessee awaits approval of Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

TN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed eight weather-related fatalities.
  • Two in Cocke County
  • One in Knox County
  • One in Johnson County
  • Three in Unicoi County
  • One in Washington County
• Several county health departments have been closed due to impacts.

TN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

• TDOT is continuing to work to improve connectivity and make infrastructure repairs in Upper East Tennessee.
• All 310 state bridges have been inspected and five of them have been destroyed.
• 47 routes have been assessed with 25 repaired and reopened.
• Before you go out, check road conditions on TDOT's SmartWay website.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

• The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance.
• The Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. You can find helpful tips on their website.
• Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
• Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI's Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
• 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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