***A Flood Watch is in effect through Thursday evening. Moderate to heavy rain could cause localized flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water on roads is also possible. Use caution if you have to be out overnight or early Thursday and NEVER drive through floodwaters!***
The rains have let up a little across East Tennessee, but because of saturated grounds and rising creeks and rivers -- some areas in the viewing area are having to deal with localized flooding on roads and in low-lying areas near rivers and streams.
Monroe County Schools and Sweetwater City Schools will be dismissing early Thursday because the rain has covered some roads with water. Schools there will let out at 12:30 p.m.
►Related: Current Closings
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office shared pictures of cars getting stuck in places where water covered the road, reminding people to "Turn around, don't drown" if they come across flooded roads.
Viewers also submitted photos of Rocky Springs Road in Madisonville being completely covered with water in places.
In the Smokies, Cades Cove Loop Road had to be closed due to flood waters. The National Weather Service said much of the Southeast has seen a lot of rain in the past few days -- causing many rivers and creeks to run high.
A steady, but lighter rain is expected to fall across East Tennessee for the remainder of the day up until before it begins tapering off through the afternoon and evening. The intensity of the rain has lessened since last night, but it will continue to fall steadily through the evening and create the potential for flooding in lower level areas and spots near swollen rivers and creeks.
Remember: Flooding can still occur near rivers and creeks after the rain stops locally as rain water is deposited upstream.
The steady rain has also created problems on some sections of highways by creating potholes. Road crews performed emergency repairs in spots where major potholes were reported, but drivers on the interstates should remain alert for any other potential potholes until the weather dries out and repairs can be made.