Statewide Severe Weather & Sevier County Wildfire

HIGHLIGHTS

• Resources from TEMA and Mountain Tough, included below, for helping Sevier County wildfire survivors.

• The wildfire remains significant threat to first responders and residents with Sevier County officials issuing an additional mandatory evacuation order this afternoon.

• West Tennessee counties begin storm damage assessments.

• A State of Emergency remains in place in Tennessee with the SEOC in Nashville to continue operations overnight.

CURRENT SITUATION

Damage assessments began today in Carroll and Madison counties in West Tennessee in the aftermath of the severe weather that cross Tennessee on Wednesday, Carroll County reports about 35 structures damaged, with some power outages remaining.  Madison County has eight teams, with TEMA personnel supporting, conducting damage assessments and reviewing locations for debris removal.

In East Tennessee, fire crews continue to work on the Wears Valley fire that began yesterday and has impacted more than 3,400 acres. The Tennessee Division of Forestry reports the fire is not increasing in size, as fast as on Wednesday, and is currently 30 percent contained.

However, the wildfire still poses a significant threat and a dangerous situation for first responders and residents.  Sevier County issued another mandatory evacuation order this afternoon for the Smoky Ridge Way area, off Wears Valley Road, due to an increased fire threat. 

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville will continue to operate overnight to monitor the ongoing wildfire situation and support any requests for local assistance.

SEVIER COUNTY SURVIVOR SUPPORT

• TEMA has launched a Sevier County Wildfire recovery webpage to provide information on state and local resources available to help wildfire survivors.

• Mountain Tough has a website in place with information about making donations to help the wildfire recovery efforts, the community resources available for survivors with medical, food, and housing needs, and contact information for additional help and questions.

• In times of disaster, financial donations are the best way to aid those in need. Cash helps relief organizations, such as Mountain Tough and the American Red Cross, provide supplies to the affected area, and which supports local economies. So, instead of donating household or clothing items, please consider a financial donation.

• Donations of specific items will be accepted at the Sevier County Fairgrounds, 753 Old Knoxville Highway, in Sevierville, on certain days and times.  Please see this Mountain Tough webpage for the specific donation times and items accepted for donation.

• The Pigeon Forge Community Center continues to operate as an evacuee shelter, located at 170 Community Center Drive, in Pigeon Forge.

WEATHER FORECAST

• Memphis:  Clear and chilly tonight with a low of 35.

• Nashville:  Partly cloudy and 41 tonight.

• Knoxville: Tonight, partly cloudy and cooler with a low of 41.

• Chattanooga:  Cloudy and cool tonight with a low of 45.