Flash Report #7 Hurricane Helene

Monday, September 30, 2024 | 05:40pm

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.
  • 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.
  • Impacted counties have started establishing donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.
  • The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
  • Water and wastewater infrastructure is impacted across the affected area.
  • FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.
  • FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for Hawkins and Washington counties.
  • 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.
  • 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

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.

Affected counties have started establishing donation collection centers. Information on these 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.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.

Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.

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 Sept. 30, at 2:30 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 9,600 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

Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant

Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority

  • As of 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sept. 30, 20 drinking water facilities have reported operational issues and five counties 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—Hampton Utility District

Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board

Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District

Johnson County—Mountain City Water Department

Unicoi County—Erwin Utilities Authority

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

Carter County— Roan Mountain Utility District

Carter County—Hampton Utility District

Carter County—South Elizabethton Utility District

Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board

Greene County— Chuckey Utility District

Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District

Greene County—Greenville Water and Light Commission

Greene County— Glen Hills Utility District

Greene County—Mosheim Utility District

Greene County—Old Knoxville Hwy Utility District

Jefferson County—Dandridge Water Department

Johnson County— Brownlow Utility District

Johnson County—Carderview Utility District

Sevier County—Webb Creek Utility District

Unicoi County— Erwin Utilities Authority

Washington County-- Jonesborough Water Department

TBI

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.mThose wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. As of Monday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received more than 500 calls regarding missing individuals. Of those, approximately 100 are still active leads that TBI is coordinating with local law enforcement response.

  • Carter County: 60
  • Johnson County: 2
  • Unicoi County: 10
  • Washington County: 30

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 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 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.

TDH

  • The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed six weather-related fatalities.
    • 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.

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

  • 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.
  • Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
  • 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.