Flash Report #2 Severe Weather and Flooding
HIGHLIGHTS
• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency to support local requests associated with the current severe weather threat and to continue to respond to the Hurricane Helene recovery
• Governor Bill Lee’s Emergency Declaration request was approved to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent.
• If you need help cleaning up damage from the severe weather, you can call Crisis Cleanup at 615-488-1875 to ask for help.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by 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
The past 24 hours have been very active, with flash flooding and impactful severe weather continuing this afternoon along this axis of rain. The National Weather Service issued over 70 severe thunderstorm warnings, over 50 tornado warnings (with seven of those having reported/observed tornadoes and damage), and 21 flash flood warnings.
Widespread 3-5” of rain has fallen in the past 18 hours, with several areas nearing 7”. West and Middle Regions are facing another 3-4” is expected today and potentially looking at an additional 5-7” on Saturday.
The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the Enhanced Risk of severe weather today for areas west of the I-65 corridor, driven by a significant tornado and large hail threat. Damaging winds are also a threat. The Weather Prediction Center continues the High risk of excessive rainfall over West Region for both today and Saturday.
On April 2, Governor Bill Lee requested an Emergency Declaration ahead of the storms. Today, President Donald J. Trump authorized FEMA to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent federal funding for all 95 counties. As damage assessments continue, additional requests may be made.
Due to the severe weather, McNairy County is experiencing widespread communications issues. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is working with local officials to deploy communication assets. This is in addition to the other various requests that have been made and are being fulfilled by the state.
Power Outages and Utilities
As of 11:30 a.m. on April 3, there are 9,700 reports of power outages statewide.
Water Facility Impacts
Chester County, Henderson Water Department, Boil Water Advisory
Hardeman County, Grand Junction Water Department, No water. Contact the utility for further instruction.
Shelters
Counties continue to monitor severe weather forecasts and have opened storm shelters. A list known shelters can be found on the TEMA website.
Tennessee Department of Health
The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed four weather-related fatalities.
o Carroll - 1
o Fayette - 1
o McNairy - 1
o Obion - 1
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Flooding has impacted many roads. You can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website.
Tennessee Highway Patrol
• THP has several strike teams deployed to assist with response activities.
• THP continue to provide assistance with traffic control and other law enforcement responsibilities.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES
• Crisis Cleanup has been activated. Survivors can call 615-488-1875.
• 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.