Flash Report #1 - Flooding
CURRENT SITUATION
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) encourages Tennesseans to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and take preparedness steps as significant rainfall continues to impact the Southeast Region.
On August 13, 6.42” of rainfall was measured and a Flash Flood Warning was issued for parts of Hamilton County. This rainfall represents the second-highest amount on record for a 24-hour period in Hamilton County according to the National Weather Service. This excessive amount of precipitation resulted in portions of the county flooding, and some areas remain under water. As a result of this weather event, the Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed three weather-related fatalities.
Flash Flood Risk
As rainfall continues throughout the region, stay informed with the latest forecast and current situation by following your local National Weather Service office.
TEMA will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources.
Know your Alerts
Have multiple ways to receive alerts on changing conditions and understand what the different alerts mean when they are issued.
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood Warning: Take Action! A flood warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared! A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Advisory: Be Aware. A flood advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Be Prepared
· Monitor Official Sources: Stay up to date with current weather information through your local National Weather Service Office, local officials, and through your local news.
· Sign Up for Alerts: Make sure weather notifications are active on your mobile device. Some counties may offer emergency alerts through the local emergency management agency.
· Have a Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radios can provide life-saving alerts, even during power outages.
Shelters
· An American Red Cross shelter has been opened in the affected area.
Brainerd Public Recreation Center, 1010 N Moore Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37411
Tennessee Department of Health
· The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed three weather-related fatalities in Hamilton County.
Tennessee Department of Transportation
· We encourage everyone to avoid flooded roadways and check TDOT’s SmartWay website on current road conditions.
Protective Actions/Key Messages
· Stay weather aware by having multiple ways to receive warnings.
· Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
· Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for officials to issue guidance.
· Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.