KNOXVILLE, TN- Several counties in East Tennessee are beginning recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene brought downpours and flooding into the area.
Counties in East Tennessee were hit hard, including Cocke County, Unicoi County and Greene County, among others. The flooding has destroyed property and infrastructure, meaning people are without incredibly important resources like water.
For those who are able, FEMA and TEMA, as well as local businesses and governments, are taking donations to help people.
TEMA works with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TNVOAD) to organize volunteer efforts. It’s important to note that volunteers are appreciated, but should organize efforts through official means rather than self-deploying. This, because heading into an unknown disaster area can be unsafe, creating more harm than good.
Those interested in signing up to volunteer time can do so here. TNVOAD is also taking monetary donations. In an update Monday afternoon, TEMA requested that people make monetary donations or follow local organizations who are asking for specific items.
Locally, here’s a list of donation efforts happening in the Knoxville area and across East Tennessee:
Ripley’s – Pigeon Forge Welcome Center
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1950 Parkway
Bottled water Pre-packaged snacks Baby food Baby formula Diapers Baby wipes First Aid supplies New socks and underwear Clean towels and blankets Laundry detergent Pet food Kitty litter Hygiene items Knox County Government – Engineering and Public Works
Financial contributions can be made here. Second Harvest representatives reiterate that giving money is the most effective way to help.
Buckets with lids Tarps Shovels and rakes Trash bags Work gloves Masks Hand Sanitizer Disinfecting wipes Diapers Bottled Water Baby formula Prepackaged snacks Can openers First aid supplies Personal hygiene items New socks and underwear Clean towels and blankets Laundry detergent Pet food Kitty litter
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Coming off its first bye week of the season, the fourth-ranked Vols are preparing for yet another primetime road matchup in Fayetteville, Arkansas, against the Razorbacks.
For the third time this season, Tennessee will play on ABC with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT).
“Guys got back in the building today and had a good workout on the grass as we push forward to get ready for Arkansas,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “First of all, know it’s going to be a great environment there. This is a really good football team.”
Heupel praised his team’s focused preparation during the open week, noting their hard work and intentionality in meetings and practices as they gear up for the Razorbacks.
“I felt the guys in the middle of the week worked extremely hard,” Heupel said.” They were intentional in the way that we went into meetings, trying to improve upon some things that we need to in all three phases of the game. Practice was really crisp, and the weekend off got them a chance to physically continue to heal up as we get ready for this week. Mentally, they get a little bit of a break as well. All in all, really good.”
As the Vols prepare for the challenge of facing an Arkansas defense known for its tenacity, Heupel highlighted the Razorbacks’ ability to create turnovers and stifle opponents’ rushing attacks.
“That’s the first part, they’ve created a bunch of turnovers,” Heupel said. “I think they play extremely hard. All three levels of the defense are tied in on the run game. They’ve done a really good job against the rush and on third downs too. They make it difficult to pick up first downs and create explosive plays.”
Videos and quotes from Monday’s availability with Heupel and select players can be seen below.
Tennessee Football Press Conference | Sept. 17, 2024
Opening statement… “First, just with the weather that came through this region – I just want to convey our thoughts and prayers going out to everybody as they are dealing with loss of power, loss of loved ones. So much damage was created here, certainly in this footprint, so our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody again. Hopefully, everybody gets back to normal as quickly as possible.
“For us, guys got back in the building today and had a good workout on the grass as we push forward to get ready for Arkansas. First of all, know it’s going to be a great environment there. This is a really good football team. They’re a couple plays away from being undefeated. You look at the way they played this past weekend, they’re playing extremely physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Defensively, one of the best teams in the country. Offensively, they’re rushing the football about as good as anybody, and they’ve created plays on special teams. Huge test for us this week to prepare the right way and get ready to go play our best football.”
On his assessment of the open week… “I felt the guys in the middle of the week worked extremely hard. They were intentional in the way that we went into meetings, trying to improve upon some things that we need to in all three phases of the game. Practice was really crisp, and the weekend off got them a chance to physically continue to heal up as we get ready for this week. Mentally, they get a little bit of a break as well. All in all, really good.”
On what makes Arkansas effective on defense… “That’s the first part, they’ve created a bunch of turnovers. I think they play extremely hard. All three levels of the defense are tied in on the run game. They’ve done a really good job against the rush, and they’ve done a really good job on third downs too. They make it difficult to go pick up first downs and create explosive plays.”
On how the team’s depth has measured up to his preseason expectations… “I feel like the guys that have been playing have continued to grow. There are obviously areas that we need to continue to improve on. That’s everybody that’s stepping on the field. I think the rotation has helped us on both sides of the football. We have a lot of young guys that are playing a lot of meaningful snaps on special teams. I think those guys continue to improve. As this season goes on, you never know when your opportunity is going to come and you’re going to get thrusted into the middle of it. Continuing to prepare the right way, which this team has had that right mindset. That depth is important as you go through this conference schedule.”
On Dylan Sampson’s development into an every-down running back… “First of all, he’s always been an elite competitor. Been able to reset and go play the next play. I do think his offseason this year, continuing to add size and strength to his frame has allowed him to handle that situation a little bit different than his freshman year would have played out. He has great trust in the guys in front of him, and we have great trust in him. On that drive, obviously he was a difference maker during the course of that drive.”
On the ideal mentality for players after a 4-0 start to the season… “The right place to be is right here right now, being in the present. You can look at the scoreboard from this past weekend, and really every weekend across America. You have to be an elite competitor every single day, and you have to prepare that right way. That is why it is important that you have a routine. You have to practice with great urgency, and you have to finish the week the right way. You have to have the same competitive makeup and the same competitive DNA every single day. You have to show up. When you buckle your chin strap and the ball gets tee’d up, you better have that on game day too. Otherwise, the separation in this game is really tough. They’ve got scholarships and really good coaches too. The separation inside of this league is small margins. You have to win in the margins in this league.”
On the challenges that Arkansas presents offensively… “He’s (Arkansas QB Taylen Green) a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. That’s designed quarterback runs, it’s read game which could be first or second level reads for him, it’s when plays break down. He has the ability to escape and outrun people, get outside of the pocket and make plays. Any time you are facing a quarterback that is that dynamic, that’s where the game starts for you defensively. On pass plays, you have to push the pocket, but you can’t let him escape. The quarterback run game, you better have your eyes in the right place and play the play based on what you are seeing the right way, then be in a fundamental position to squeeze and go make a play.”
On how he and his family spent the open weekend… “The weather didn’t quite cooperate the way I would’ve liked it to, but I got a chance on Saturday to spend a bunch of time with my kids and wife. We played catch and watched a couple of games, and I had a great weekend with them.”
On Nico Iamaleava’s improvement and future aspirations… “Continued growth and taking care of the football. It’s presented itself in different ways and at the end of the day, he has to make it right. At times, that means not turning a negative play into one that kicks us in the butt. It’s OK in some of those situations to go punt the football. He has really good command and understanding of what we are doing, seeing different structures than what we have seen during the course of the week on film and being able to adjust during the course of the game. Love a lot of what we have seen. The great thing about him at this point is his great competitive composure. He goes and plays the next play independently and free. He’s handled himself well on the road. He and the offense have some areas that we can continue to grow, and that will be another big challenge with this football game — heading to Fayetteville and understanding the type of environment we are going to get ready to go play in.”
On the importance of the linebackers continuing to produce… “All three levels of the defense have to be tied in together. Your first and second level in particular have to do a great job of bottling them up in the run game. When he drops back in pass (coverage), rush integrity — that can be off of your pressures, off your twist game, it can be a base four-man rush, but you have to push the pocket and make them uncomfortable and at the same time keep them bottled up.”
On Larry Johnson III’s next steps following Oklahoma… “There are some things he did at a very high level, but just like any young player, you take those experiences, the snaps that you get, how can I be better. That can be in the pass game or run game. Continued growth from those guys, some of the successes and some of the things that he didn’t do at a really high level on certain plays. Again, it’s all 11 guys operating as one. It can be communication, bumping off twists. Whatever it is, all 11 have to operate as one.”
On why Arkansas’ run game is so effective… “Their offensive line is playing at a high level, but he (Taylen Green) has got the ability to make the numbers right for them. Anytime the quarterback run game is part of it, you get a chance to make the numbers right. So, you have to play with gap integrity and assignment sound, but then you have also have to disrupt blocks, get off and go make a play. His speed and how dynamic of a player he is makes that a difficult thing to do because he has the ability at times to outrun the defender.”
On the defense being disciplined when facing a mobile quarterback… “Yeah, you really have to play your 11 — especially with a quarterback like (Taylen Green). That’s kind of what you want in a quarterback. He’s got good size and a good arm, but like you said, I feel like on the ground he makes a lot of plays for them. So, we have to keep an eye out for him and make sure we’re all doing our role at the end of the day, playing 11 hats on the ball.
On eye discipline against Arkansas QB Taylen Green… “You have to be very disciplined with your eyes. Someone who has that scrambling ability can also throw the ball downfield. You have to be good in coverage, players that are on man, stay on man, players that are trying to get to the QB, you have to do a good job corralling him.”
On playing against Arkansas in 2022 with BYU… “Super excited. Obviously the last time I played them left a bad taste. They had a good game, a good game plan, and you could tell they were a very well coached and disciplined team. I think at the end of the day, they have coaches that put the players in the right positions to be successful and I look forward to that and the matchup. I’m excited for what we can prepare for and be able to put up on Saturday.”
On excitement or exhaustion when getting the ball on every play of a scoring drive… “Everything. Everything you just said. Obviously, we train for that. We play tempo, so you obviously get tired. You get in that mode and you’re in the zone, so you just want to keep going. So, a little bit of everything.”
On growth from freshman year into a reliable, every-down running back.. “I think any back coming out of high school is used to hitting all the big runs. Just getting used to taking it for a dirty three, dirty four, that keeps the chains moving. I think that’s where I’ve gotten better, in between the tackles. Just knowing not everything is going to be a home run.”
On what makes a practice ‘crisp’ for Heupel… “It’s like, hitting on the details. You can obviously tell the type of energy we will have from the moment we step out there. It is never about how you start practice, it is about how you finish. You never want to get behind the eight ball. So just taking it from the meeting room, minimizing MAs. The less whistles you hear, the less stuff we have to repeat, then practice is going crisp.”
https://utsports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=22822&autoplay=false On the frustrations of facing a mobile quarterback… “It’s kind of frustrating, but at the same time, if you do your job, it isn’t as frustrating.”
On preparing the different looks presented by Arkansas QB Taylen Green… “It really is (difficult) sometimes, because you never know if he is going to stay there, if he’s going to run or if he’s just going to throw a little screen. You just never know.”
On what it is like being a part of this defensive line … “It is special for real. Every aspect, we have just unbelievable guys. Just me contributing to the line, it just means a lot.”
On his comfort level in the punt return role and coaching points… “I feel like I am really comfortable in the return, just as far as catching the ball. As far as coaching points, they tell me to be aggressive and go make the play.”
On the rhythm of the passing game and working on it during the bye week… “The rhythm of the passing game is fine. Nothing has changed during this break. We just continue to practice on our passing game and stuff like that.”
On Arkansas’ secondary… “They have guys out there that make plays. They fly to the ball and make plays on the ball.”
A man was hit and killed by a train near E. Inskip Drive on Monday afternoon.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the area of E. Inskip Drive near Morton Place Way, where a man who has not yet been identified was struck by a Norfolk Southern train. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was reported that the train was traveling south when the operators spotted the man walking on the tracks. The operators reportedly blew the horn and initiated the brakes, but were unable to stop the train before striking the victim.
The body was transported to the Regional Forensic Center for further examination and identification.
The investigation into the death remains ongoing at this time.
A man was hit and killed by a train near E. Inskip Drive on Monday afternoon.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the area of E. Inskip Drive near Morton Place Way, where a man who has not yet been identified was struck by a Norfolk Southern train. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was reported that the train was traveling south when the operators spotted the man walking on the tracks. The operators reportedly blew the horn and initiated the brakes, but were unable to stop the train before striking the victim.
The body was transported to the Regional Forensic Center for further examination and identification.
The investigation into the death remains ongoing at this time.
KPD Communication Manager Scott Erland made the announcement Monday, saying a woman reported that a man claiming to be an Uber driver assaulted her. (Courtesy: KPD)
Great Smoky National Park is receiving many questions regarding the status of the park and surrounding areas. We posted the below update on social media and the park website this evening (Monday 9/30/24) in response to these questions:
Wondering whether you should reschedule your trip to the Smokies due to impacts from Hurricane Helene? While parts of the national park are open, outdoor recreation is currently discouraged due to park staffing being stretched and visitor safety concerns. However, Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, is fully open to those who can access the county through safe routes. We are working hard to get all major park roads open to the public as soon as possible.
Hurricane Helene recovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The National Park Service (NPS) continues to assess conditions and to address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, park staff are prioritizing assessments of high use roads and trails as well as radio repeaters and historic structures throughout the park.
Several park roads, including Newfound Gap Road/US 441, remain closed. There are no current reopening estimates for closed roads. Visit the park websitehttps://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm for a map of what’s open and closed.
Park staff and resources are currently limited at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several park employees in both North Carolina and Tennessee are dealing with emergencies at home or are unable to drive to work due to closed roads. Multiple employees are also assisting the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding communities.
While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety. If visitors choose to visit, they are asked to recreate responsibly—know your limits, avoid water recreation and know that emergency response times may be delayed. Hiking and backcountry travel are not recommended due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions. Emergency services are currently stretched thin and have already responded to several incidents (many unrelated to the storm) in the last several days.
Visitors should also be mindful of closures and limited resources in some communities surrounding the park. Western North Carolina communities and Cocke County (Tennessee), in particular experienced significant flooding and have downed trees, damaged powerlines and limited resources. The North Carolina Department of Transportation advises that all travel in Western North Carolina should be for emergencies only. Surrounding communities may have limited resources (gas, food, water) available to visitors at this time.
What’s currently closed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads.
Big Creek area, campground and roads.
Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284).
Deep Creek (the creek itself) between Indian Creek Bridge and the park boundary closed to all water activity.
Deep Creek Campground.
Foothills Parkway East.
Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road).
Kuwohi Visitor Center.
Lakeview Drive.
Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Parson Branch Road (due to Flint Gap Fire impacts).
Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) More than a hundred people are still missing in two of the hardest-hit areas in East Tennessee after the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought massive flooding, damaging infrastructure and leaving people stranded.
Rescue crews, to include those from Knoxville and Knox County, are assisting the search efforts in Unicoi County, responding to the Erwin area, where more than 50 hospital workers and patients had to be rescued by air Friday after being stranded on top of Unicoi County Hospital.
The latest numbers show that 47 people are unaccounted for in Unicoi County, while 62 remain missing in Washington County.
It comes after the counties became two of the hardest-hit areas in East Tennessee after the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought massive flooding. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Cocke County, TN (WVLT) Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis provided an update on storm damage and deaths Sunday evening.
Mathis said the county has suffered two deaths in relation to the flood. Cocke County Sheriff CJ Ball later identified those two as Jean and Mike Obrist.
During the update, Mathis also said all missing people in Cocke County have been accounted for.
“That, in itself, is miraculous,” Mathis said about all missing people being accounted for. “That is a testimony to the hard work of our emergency responders who have rescued people by land, by water and by air. We’ve done everything we can to get to everybody. Everyone who was in need of rescue has been rescued.”
Mathis said multiple agencies are continuing to respond to calls of service as county residents recover from the flood.
“We are so grateful for everyone, both here in the county and all of the folks from outside agencies and people, pouring in support, food, help and rescue efforts to help our county. It’s been amazing,” Mathis said. “Seeing how everyone has pulled together is truly inspirational.”
In order to best serve specific needs, phone numbers have been set up for residents to call. Anyone with an emergency is asked to dial 911. To report missing persons, call 423-540-5551. To make a request for non-perishable food and water donations, call 423-540-0171. Cash donations can be made with Cocke County Partnership, Mathis said, adding that a phone number has not been setup yet.
“We’re here to help you. Just as we did not rest until every single person was rescued, we will still not rest until everyone gets what they need and this is resolved,” Mathis said.
There were also two other “weather-related” deaths in East Tennessee reported on Sunday out of Johnson and Unicoi counties.
A list of missing people is being compiled by TBI and TEMA, and an updated total of missing individuals is expected to be released later Sunday evening.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said multiple agencies are continuing to respond to calls of service as county residents recover from the flood. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Local emergency officials Sevier County are decreasing the amount of areas under evacuation orders due to flood waters from the French Broad, Pigeon and Nolichucky Rivers along with Douglas Lake.
In the latest update from Sevier County, emergency management officials have coordinated with TVA officials and advised the current release of water will remain the same for the next several days.
Some subdivisions and residences are still affected by flooding, and residents in Deerfield Mobile Home Park and Lazy River Lane are asked to continue following evacuation orders and refrain from returning to their homes until it is safe.
Open areas with restrictions include:
River Mist Lane (Deep River Drive, River Lane) River Dance Lane (Waterside) Newsome Road (Waterside) River Breeze Drive (Waterside)
Open and available to return areas include:
Binginham Island Luther Catlett Circle (Bottom) River Run Circle River Island Boulevard Tranquillity Lane/Gentlemans Way River Vista Circle River Bend Road Indian Warpath (Waterside) Twin Oaks Way Betsy Court (Off Hodges Ferry Road) Hodges Ferry Road Rays Gap Road
Sevier County EMA say to self-evacuate if you live in a low-lying area near the French Broad River and feel your home may be threatened.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s update regarding Hurricane Helene’s impact on Tennessee – Sunday evening September 29, 2024
Impacted counties do not have the capability to receive material donations or volunteers that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy; it hinders life safety operations in impacted counties.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
Water and wastewater infrastructure is impacted across the affected area.
FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.
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 Hawkins and Washington counties.
Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate.
Requests for assistance are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center, including private sector aide.
Emergency Services 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.
Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website https://smartway.tn.gov/.
CURRENT SITUATION
While local communities appreciate the volunteer spirit during disasters, please DO NOT send donations that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy to disaster areas – this will hinder response and recovery operations. A fund with the East Tennessee Foundationhttps://easttennesseefoundation.org/ has been established for monetary donations for impacted counties.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.
As floodwaters continue to recede, we are beginning to have a better understanding of impacted water and wastewater infrastructure and some plants have reported 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 Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.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 Hawkins and Washington counties.
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. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.
POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES
As of September 29, at 1:00 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 18,800 reports of power outages statewide.
TVA continues to monitor water levels.
Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board
Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority
As of 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sept. 29, six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and four counties have issued Boil Water Advisories. 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)
Carter County—Elizabeth Water Department
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Johnson County—Mountain City Water Department
Unicoi County—Erwin Utilities Authority
Reported Issues w/out Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County- Water System)
Carter County— Roan Mountain Utility District
Carter County—Hampton Utility District
Carter County—South Elizabethton Utility District
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Greene County— Chuckey Utility District
Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District
Greene County—Greenville Water and Light Commission
Greene County— Glen Hills Utility District
Greene County—Mosheim Utility District
Greene County—Old Knoxville Hwy Utility District
Johnson County— Brownlow Utility District
Johnson County—Carderview Utility District
Unicoi County— Erwin Utilities Authority
Washington County- Jonesborough Water Department
TBI
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1- 800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. As of Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received 337 calls seeking information about individuals in East Tennessee.
Authorities continue their efforts to locate the following number of people. With limited cell service and infrastructure challenges in the impacted areas, authorities believe many of these individuals are safe, but unable to presently identify themselves as such.
Washington County: 62
Johnson County: 4
Unicoi County: 47
Other Surrounding Counties: 40
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 websitehttps://www.tn.gov/tema.html.
THP
THP is providing assistance with traffic, welfare, searches, and other law enforcement responsibilities in response to flooding and damage in the affected counties.
THP is collaborating with TBI to assist with reunification.
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.
TDH
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two weather-related fatalities.
One in Johnson County
One in Unicoi County
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.
The Chief of Police in Greeneville asking people to conserve water as the pumping station fails and very little is salvageable.
The Greeneville Water Commission says its intake structure was enveloped by the Nolichucky River Friday night after the Dam almost failed.
Saturday afternoon Officials say the pumps that feed the distribution system were turned off, meaning the water in the storage tanks is all that is left. Under normal conditions, this would be a 24-hour supply.
Officials are asking businesses like restaurants and non essential jobs to shut down. They are working with EMA and TEMA to set up water distribution centers.
