DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Flooding from Hurricane Helene in the North Carolina mountains and parts of Tennessee has caused floating debris buildup in the Douglas Reservoir, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
This reservoir in Sevier and Jefferson counties is the inflow point from the Nolichuky Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. The debris on Douglas is approximately one square mile in size and moving a mile per day downstream towards Douglas Dam, TWRA says.
The Tennessee Valley Authority has deployed a floating boom across the Douglas Reservoir above the town of Dandridge to capture debris. The boom is intended to help protect water supply and other downstream infrastructure, according to TWRA.
For the safety of the crews and boaters, TWRA says the public is advised to stay off the lake in this area until further notice. TVA Police and TWRA officers will be on the water patrolling to help ensure safety.