KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — //**A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for all towns and cities immediately below the Nolichucky Dam on the Nolichucky River. Everyone in that area should immediately seek higher ground. The National Weather Service said it was a life-threatening situation.**//
The National Weather Service said a dam break was reported on the Nolichucky River below the Nolichucky Dam at around 11:35 p.m. EDT on Friday. However, the Tennessee Valley Authority said it activated a condition red warning about an "imminent breach" at the Greene County dam.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said homes and businesses were being evacuated in the Centerview and Bybee area due to the possible dam failure. He said emergency responders were going door-to-door in the affected area encouraging people to relocate. He also urged people to seek shelter with family and friends and to avoid the area until further notice.
"The breach could occur at any time due to extreme rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which is causing record river levels around the region. Potentially life-threatening flooding can occur as far downstream as Douglas Reservoir. Local county emergency management officials are coordinating evacuations as appropriate. Please stay alert for notices from your local EMA and heed all warnings," the TVA said.
The NWS issued a Flash Flood Warning for North Central Cocke County, Southwestern Greene County and Southeastern Hamblen County lasting until 3:45 a.m. EDT.
The weather service said dam operators reported that it failed, and said anyone in the area should move to higher ground. Specific information about the nature of the reported dam failure was not immediately available.
Flooding was already occurring along the Nolichucky River throughout Friday, severely damaging roads and bridges in the upper East Tennessee area. The Tennessee Department of Transportation previously said all roads in upper East Tennessee should be considered potentially hazardous.