Flash Report #5 - Flooding

Sunday, August 22, 2021 | 03:00pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • As of 3 p.m., Central, the Tennessee Dept. of Health has been able confirmed 16 weather-related fatalities in Humphreys County. This is a preliminary total, pending further updates from local medical officials, and no further details are available at this time.
  • A Reunification Center for flood survivors is open at McEwen High School from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. The Reunification Center personnel can also be reached by calling 931-582-6950.
  • The American Red Cross has set up a Middle Tennessee Flooding online resource at www.safeandwell.org where flood survivors can register and let family and friends know they are safe.

CURRENT SITUATION

Clean up is underway in four Tennessee counties – Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys – impacted by catastrophic flash flooding on Saturday.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee visited the impacted area this afternoon and was joined by Tennessee’s U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan, and Commissioner Clay Bright of the Tennessee Dept. of Transportation.

From 9 inches to 17 inches of rain fell across this area of middle Tennessee within a 6-hour period Saturday morning and another round of severe weather impacted the same area Saturday night.

Multiple bridges and roadways in the impacted area remain closed. Telecommunication services and electrical power are gradually being restored. Local and state personnel continue to work with flood survivors on reunification.

FATALITIES

The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 16 weather-related fatalities in Humphreys County, as of 3 p.m. today. This total is preliminary and pending further updates from local medical officials. No further details are available at this time.

HUMAN SERVICES

  • The Reunification Center at McEwen High School, 335 Melrose St. in McEwen, Tenn., is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today for flood survivors.
  • The Reunification Center will also open on Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The American Red Cross has set up a Flood in Tennessee online resource on www.safeandwell.org where flood survivors can register and let family and friends know they are safe.
  • Several shelters are open:
    • Waverly Church of Christ, 438 West Main St., Waverly, TN
    • YMCA of Dickson County, 225 Henslee Dr, Dickson TN 37055
    • First Baptist Church, 300 E. Main St. Waverly TN 37185
    • Fairfield Church of Christ, 1860 TN-100, Centerville, TN 37033

STATE RESPONSE OPERATIONS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated and personnel are monitoring and supporting local requests for assistance.
  • State agencies providing resources and staff to the SEOC include Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Dept. of Transportation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Dept. of Health, Tennessee Mutual Aid, Tennessee Dept. of Human Services, Tennessee Civil Air Patrol, Tennessee Dept. of Education, and Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/ KEY MESSAGES

  • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Monitor radio and television broadcasts for information and instructions.
  • Charge electronic devices in case of loss of power.

FORECAST

Memphis: Mostly sunny with a high near 92.

Jackson: Mostly sunny with a high near 89.

Nashville: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs around 90.

Knoxville: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 89.

Chattanooga: Chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 85.

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