Flash Report #4 Hurricane Helene

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• TVA has reported an imminent breach of the Nolichucky Dam which will impact Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties. Anyone in these areas near the Nolichucky River should move to higher ground immediately, if safe.
• FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi.
• 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 the counties of Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington counties.
• Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
• Cocke, Greene, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate.
• Hawkins County officials have told residents to shelter-in-place.
• Requests for assistance are being fulfilled.
• Emergency Service 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.
• Northeast Tennessee continues to be impacted by flooding. If you live in a flood prone area, please find higher ground, evacuate if you are told to, and stay informed of the evolving situation.
• 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

TVA has reported an imminent breach of the Nolichucky Dam which will impact Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties. Anyone in these areas near the Nolichucky River should move to higher ground immediately, if safe. Other infrastructure impacts include water and wastewater plants that have been impacted or are reporting problems. If you are without water, please check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.

Due to the continued impacts, Gov. Bill Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency through Executive Order 105 to provide critical relief to survivors of the severe weather and flooding in Tennessee. FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for the counties of Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi. 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 the counties of Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington counties.

Cocke, Greene, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate. Hawkins County has issued a shelter-in-place order. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.

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.

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES

• As of September 27, at 10:00 p.m. CDT, there are 74,700 reports of power outages statewide.
• TVA has reported imminent failure for the Nolichucky Dam.
• TVA continues to monitor water levels.
• Duke Energy has confirmed that the Walters Dam has not failed.
• Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
  • Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Unicoi County, Erwin Wastewater Treatment Plant
• As of 5:30 p.m. CDT on Sept. 27, five counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and one water system has issued Boil Water Advisory. 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)

Cocke County- Newport Utilities Board

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

Carter County- Roan Mountain Utility District

Greene County- Chuckey Utility District

Johnson County- Brownlow Utility District

Unicoi County- Erwin Utilities Authority

Washington County- Jonesborough Water Department

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 law enforcement responsibilities.
• North Carolina has closed I-40 West of Asheville at the state line.
• I-26 at 40 mm is closed in Unicoi County due to flooding.
• THP aviation has completed 13 rescues.

TDH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities or injuries.
• Unicoi County Hospital has been safely evacuated.
• 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

• Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
• Tune into information provided by local officials on evacuation and shelter-in-place guidance.
• 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.

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