Urgent Situation Unfolds in Greene County, Tennessee
A dire situation is unfolding in Greene County, Tennessee, as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a Condition Red Warning for the imminent failure of the Nolichucky Dam. The warning was activated late Friday night, sparking immediate concerns for thousands of residents living downstream.
Record River Levels Trigger Condition Red
The TVA confirmed that the breach is expected to occur due to extreme rainfall brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which has caused record-high river levels in the region. The dam is currently under immense pressure, and officials say it may not be able to withstand the rising water.
What Is a Condition Red Warning?
A Condition Red Warning is the most severe alert issued by the TVA, indicating that a dam is at imminent risk of failing. It’s a step above the Condition Yellow Warning, which was issued just an hour earlier. The switch to Condition Red means the situation has escalated rapidly, and the risk of catastrophic flooding is now at its peak.
Flash Flood Emergency Declared
Along with the TVA’s Condition Red Warning, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Morristown declared a Flash Flood Emergency for Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties. The alert is in effect until at least 3:45 a.m. and will be extended if the situation worsens.
Residents Urged to Evacuate
“If you are in a low-lying area near the Nolichucky River or under an evacuation order, leave immediately,” the NWS warned. “This is an extremely dangerous situation.” The Morristown-Hamblen Emergency Management Agency issued an emergency evacuation order for all residents along the Nolichucky River in southern Hamblen County.
Timeline of Potential Flooding
If the Nolichucky Dam were to breach, the initial flood wave could reach critical infrastructure in a matter of minutes. Here’s what officials say would happen:
- West Allens Bridge Road bridge: 20 minutes
- Highway 321 bridge: 30 minutes
- Bewleys Chapel Road bridge: 2 hours
- Briar Thicket Road bridge: 3 hours
- Highway 160 bridge: 4 hours
- Douglas Lake: 6 hours
The expected timeline underscores the urgency of the situation, with downstream communities potentially facing life-threatening flooding within a short time frame.
Preparing for the Worst
The Morristown Rescue Squad has been activated, and emergency crews are going door-to-door in the Centerview and Bybee areas to urge residents to relocate. Local shelters, including the Manley Baptist Church in Morristown, are open to provide a safe haven for evacuees.
Emergency Shelters Opened
Manley Baptist Church, along with other community centers, has opened its doors to those fleeing the path of potential floodwaters. The Cocke County Mayor’s Office and local emergency responders have been working tirelessly to transport people to safety.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis Speaks Out
“Your life is more important than anything you can carry with you,” Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said in a statement urging people to evacuate. “We need you to leave now, before it’s too late.”
Extreme Rainfall Puts Dam at Risk
The crisis at the Nolichucky Dam was triggered by the relentless rain and storm surges caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, now a remnant low, has brought unprecedented rainfall to the region, causing the river to swell to dangerous levels.
Record-Breaking Water Levels
Officials noted that the Nolichucky River is now experiencing record-breaking water levels, which have put immense pressure on the aging infrastructure of the dam. The Tennessee Valley Authority has been monitoring the situation closely, but conditions have deteriorated rapidly over the last 24 hours.
Understanding the Risks: Why This Dam Matters
The Nolichucky Dam, located in Greene County, Tennessee, is an important piece of infrastructure in the region. It was built in 1913 and has been the subject of structural concerns in recent years. However, no major renovations have been undertaken, leaving it vulnerable to extreme weather events like this one.
A Potential Catastrophe for Downstream Communities
If the dam fails, the resulting flood could devastate communities along the Nolichucky River and downstream as far as Douglas Reservoir, commonly known as Douglas Lake. Homes, businesses, and farms are all in the potential path of destruction.
Emergency Response Efforts Ramped Up
Local, state, and federal emergency responders have been activated to prepare for the worst-case scenario. The National Guard is on standby, and rescue teams are equipped with boats and helicopters to assist with evacuations if needed.
Reducing Water Pressure—A Race Against Time
The TVA has been working to relieve pressure on the dam by discharging water through the floodgates, but the rapid rise in water levels has made it difficult to keep up. Engineers and hydrologists are on-site, assessing the dam’s condition hour-by-hour.
Avoid Travel in Affected Areas
Authorities are urging everyone in the affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel. Roads are becoming impassable due to rising waters, and several have been closed as a precaution.
Dangerous Conditions
“Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads,” the NWS warned. “If you come across a flooded area, turn around, don’t drown.” The reminder is crucial, as the force of floodwaters can quickly sweep vehicles away, even in shallow depths.
How to Stay Safe
Residents are being advised to monitor local news stations and weather apps for real-time updates. Those under evacuation orders should head to higher ground immediately and bring essential items like medications, identification, and important documents.
Important Safety Tips
- Listen to Emergency Alerts: Stay informed through local TV and radio stations, as well as the NWS.
- Evacuate Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Leave as soon as you receive an evacuation order.
- Avoid Driving Through Floodwaters: Even a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep a car away.
- Secure Your Home: If you have time, turn off utilities and move valuables to higher ground.
What Happens Next?
TVA and local officials will continue to monitor the situation closely. If the dam breaches, the priority will be to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate property damage as much as possible.
Long-Term Implications
The potential failure of the Nolichucky Dam raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of aging dams across the country. The incident could spark a larger conversation about infrastructure investment and the need for stronger flood protection measures in flood-prone areas.
Community Braces for Impact
As the situation unfolds, communities along the Nolichucky River are bracing for what could be one of the most devastating floods in recent memory. Residents are holding their breath, hoping that the dam will hold and that the worst-case scenario can be avoided.
Final Words
“We’re doing everything we can to keep people safe,” said an emergency responder on the scene. “But people need to take this seriously and get to safety now.”
Stay tuned for continuous updates as this story develops. For residents in the affected areas, please heed all warnings and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and every minute counts.
