COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — As Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding to Cocke County and devastated riverside communities in upper East Tennessee, reports swirled that Walter's Dam had failed and catastrophic floods were inbound for the area.
It turned out not to be true, despite leaders including Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency issuing urgent warnings based on official reports.
Duke Energy, which operates the dam in Waterville, North Carolina, later issued a statement saying the dam had not failed.
On Friday, Cocke County leaders said they were still gathering information on how false reports were issued. Joe Esway, the director of the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency would issue an "After Action Report" once it finishes investigating the incident. A full statement from the agency is available below.
"Cocke County Emergency Management is in the process of gathering, sorting, compiling, and formally documenting all activities associated with Mission 183(Hurricane Helene).
Once complete, the After Action Report will be written and distributed to The County and both City Mayors, as well as the Leaders of the Emergency Responder Association.
All media inquiries will be answered once complete.
The goal is to have this completed in the coming weeks.
As for the now, our priorities and all available resources remain with the people of Cocke County as we work to recover from this catastrophic event."
Mathis had declared a state of emergency after issuing his incorrect warning that Walter's Dam had failed. He said the county would conduct is "due diligence" on the matter before commenting. His statement is available below.
"Once we have conducted our due diligence in this matter, we will gladly provide comment and the accompanying documentation mentioned by Director Esway. It is important to us that all information we provide is informed, verified, and accurate as possible."