Flash Report #4 Severe Weather + 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.
• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.
• Montgomery and Obion counties have issued voluntary evacuations in areas that are prone to flooding ahead of the severe weather impacts.
• Sheltering locations can be found on TEMA’s website.
• Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDEC, TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN National Guard, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
CURRENT SITUATION
Multiple waves of significant severe weather and catastrophic flooding will continue through Sunday morning. A moderate risk of severe weather has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for southwest Tennessee with the possibility of significant strong tornadoes and damaging winds exceeding 75 mph. The severe threat should diminish after sundown.
In addition to the severe weather threat, there is a high risk of excessive rainfall west of the I-65 corridor in areas that have already received 4-6”+ over the past few days. Thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same areas with heavy rainfall will cause locally higher amounts. Numerous flash flood warnings are expected, and several waterways are forecast to reach moderate flood stage or higher. The system will continue to move across the state through Sunday afternoon, with the areal and river flooding continuing through next week.
Montgomery and Obion counties have issued voluntary evacuations in areas that are prone to flooding ahead of the severe weather impacts. It is important for residents to pay attention and listen to any local guidance issued during this event for life safety.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to work with local officials to respond to requests. As of this morning the TEMA has provided 2,000 gallons of fuel, 30,950 sandbags, 18 boxes of tarps, and 2,016 cases of water to counties who have made requests for assistance.
POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES
As of 4:30 p.m. on April 5, there are 12,079 reports of power outages statewide.
Water Facility Impacts
- Hardeman County, Grand Junction Water Department, Boil Water Advisory
- Lauderdale County, Lauderdale County Water System, Boil Water Advisory
- Perry County, Linden Water Department, Boil Water Advisory
Wastewater Facility Impacts
The following wastewater facilities are beginning to see impacts due to the flooding and sever weather. They are all taking measures to mitigate any issues that may occur. Please follow any guidance the facility may issue.
• Highway 22 Wastewater Lagoon, Town of Huntingdon, Carroll County
• Barnett Street Wastewater Lagoon, Town of Huntingdon, Carroll County
• Somerville Wastewater Lagoon, Fayette County
• Selmer Sewage Treatment Plant, Town of Selmer, McNairy County
• Decaturville Wastewater Treatment Plant, Town of Decaturville, Decatur County
• Benton-Decatur Sewage Treatment Plant, Decatur County
• Henderson North Lagoon, City of Henderson, Chester County
• Henderson East Wastewater Lagoon, City of Henderson, Chester County
• Bargerton Elementary School, Henderson County
• Paris Wastewater Treatment Plant, Paris Board of Public Utilities, Henry County
• Buffalo Wastewater Treatment Plant, Humphreys County
• Springfield Sewage Treatment Plant, Robertson County
• Alblemarle Corporation, Humphreys County
SHELTERS
Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross are managing shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA’s website.
Tennessee Department of Health
The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.
o Five in McNairy
o Two in Fayette
o One in Carroll
o One in Obion
o One in Tipton
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.
• Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
• 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.