Flash Report #2 Hurricane Helene

Friday, September 27, 2024 | 11:55am

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Unicoi County Hospital is inundated and patients and staff are being evacuated; however, the evacuations are complicated by the Nolichucky River, which is rapidly rising and full of debris.
  • Local officials in Washington County have told Embreeville residents to evacuate.
  • Hawkins County officials have told residents to shelter-in-place.
  • 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 remnants of tropical cyclone Helene will continue to impact Tennessee with greatest impacts lasting through Friday night. Heavy rain and flooding are the primary concerns from this tropical system. An estimated 6 to 10 inches of rain

has fallen across the mountainous terrain of Eastern Tennessee over the past 48 hours. Rain will come to an end across the east early Friday afternoon as the remnants of Helene track towards the northwest. Heaviest rain will then shift
over Middle and Western Tennessee where an additional 2 to 4 inches is possible. While rain will persist through the weekend, rainfall rates will decrease after tonight.

Wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph are expected through this evening but will gradually diminish overnight. The severe weather threat is very low, and hail and damaging winds from thunderstorms are not expected.

Several East Tennessee counties have issued protective actions to both evacuate and shelter-in-place. We recommend residents to continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.

TEMA has deployed 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 11:30 a.m. CDT, there are 75,500 reports of power outages statewide.
  • TVA is monitoring water levels and will be opening spillways to manage levels.

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.

TDH

  • The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities or injuries.
  • Unicoi County Hospital is inundated, and patients and staff are being evacuated; however, the evacuations are complicated by the Nolichucky River, which is rapidly rising and full of debris.

TDOT

  • TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions across the state and assist with debris removal.
  • 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.
  • Take photos of any damages and use caution when handling debris.
  • Continue to monitor for updated weather information from reliable sources.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.