KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the TWRA issued a statement on Oct. 23 saying the advisory remains accurate and debris in Douglas Lake still poses a safety risk.
Several agencies are working together to clear debris from Douglas Lake, more than a month after Hurricane Helene devastated communities and filled the water with broken branches and parts from buildings.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Thursday that while crews work to clear the debris and protect infrastructure downstream, people should avoid the water.
TEMA sent the release more than three weeks after the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reversed its notice that people should avoid the water. The TWRA first claimed on Oct. 22 that the water levels had receded and washed debris ashore, but a spokesperson for the TWRA said a day later there was a miscommunication and that the advisory remained in place because debris in the lake still posed a safety risk.
TEMA said Thursday that boaters and the public generally should avoid the lake "due to the hazards posed by debris."
"The debris has the potential to cause serious injury or death, and ongoing cleanup efforts require the area to be kept clear for the safety of both the crews and the public," the agency said in a release.
As part of the agencies' plan to clear debris from Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Valley Authority put a protective boom across the lake, meant to catch debris and prevent it from traveling downstream. It also installed floating buoy markers and lights to mitigate risks posed by the cleanup project and the debris itself.
TEMA also said a dedicated hotline was set up for questions about the debris removal project. It's available at 844-965-1386.