Flash Report #5 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.
• Do not drive through flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
• 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.
• Damage assessments are ongoing in the impacted counties.
• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.
• 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 rounds of severe thunderstorms moved through West and Middle Regions throughout the day into the night. A bowing storm segment in West Region had significant wind gusts and potentially embedded tornadoes. Additional thunderstorms due to significant heavy rainfall, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued for the Memphis Metro area, along with many flash flood warnings across most of the state.
Scattered light showers will persist today. Behind this system, below normal temperatures will persist for at least the next week. Low temperatures on Tuesday morning could be below freezing. High temperatures will be in the 50s/60s.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has started working with our local and federal partners to assess damages that have occurred due to the severe weather to determine whether they meet the federal statutory requirements for a federal major disaster declaration. If your home or property has sustained damage during this week’s severe weather, and it is safe to do so, take photos of damage before cleanup efforts and make note of any losses. We encourage you to report any damages to your local emergency management agency.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to work with local officials to respond to requests. As of today, TEMA has provided 2,000 gallons of fuel, 38,950 sandbags, 96 boxes of tarps, and 2,026 cases of water to counties who have made requests for assistance.
POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES
As of 4:00 p.m. on April 6, there are 12,200 reports of power outages statewide. This is down from the peak of statewide outages on April 5, of more than 70,000.
Water Facility Impacts
Hardeman County, Grand Junction Water Department, Boil Water Advisory
Lauderdale County, Lauderdale County Water System, Boil Water Advisory
Tipton County, Munford 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
• Benton-Decatur Sewage Treatment Plant, Decatur 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.
TDH
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
TDOT
• Flooding has impacted many roads. You can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website.
THP
• 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.
• Do not enter damaged building or hazardous locations.
• Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• If your house or property has sustained damage, take pictures before the cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. Complaint line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
• Even after the storm passes, power outages have their own set of hazards. Be careful with generators – never use them inside or in garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid risk of fire.
• 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.
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.