source: Florida Today, Forecast September 27, 2024
What is up with that 23" rainfall concentrated in that one area?
WATE 6 On Your Side published September 28, 2024: Multiple officials shared updates on the flooding and recovery operations happening in Cocke County in the aftermath of Helene.
WTVC NewsChannel 9 published September 30, 2024: 'This will go down in history:' East Ridge firefighters return with flood rescue stories.
WKRN News 2 published September 28, 2024: Evacuations, major damage reported after catastrophic flooding in Cocke County. The East Tennessee city of Newport was left underwater following extreme flooding from the Pigeon River.
WBIR Channel 10 September 29, 2024: 'That's all that matters'. Faith keeping Newport family together after flooding destroyed home. A Bible Janet Sams keeps in her car remained intact, even after being soaked from the storms that destroyed her home.
NBC News published Sep 30, 2024: Tennessee Latino community hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Several members of Tennessee's Unicoi County Latino community are among the dozens missing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. WCYB's Yannia Nordelo reports.
Factory workers were forced to stay after management left. (emphasis mine)
Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene trapped workers at an eastern Tennessee plastics factory, with several family members learning Monday that their loved ones didn't survive.
Some of the workers' relatives got frantic video phone calls as the flood swelled around Impact Plastics in Erwin, where rushing waters swept some workers away from the parking lot located next to the Nolichucky River.
The families and friends had been posting desperate pleas on social media for help in finding their relatives. Some showed up at a news conference carrying photos of the missing and pressed authorities to locate them.
According to reports on social media, the workers were trapped outside the building, which was surrounded by fast-moving flood waters that kept them from leaving.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees,” said Gerald O’Connor, who, according to the release, founded the company in 1987.
“At no time were employees told that they would be fired if they left the facility. For employees who were non-English speaking, bilingual employees were among the group of managers who delivered the message,” the company stated.
Rainfall had been intense Friday morning, but it eased as the morning progressed, the company's release stated. Employees were dismissed, however, when water covered the parking lot and the adjacent road, and the plant lost power.
News 5 WCYB published September 30, 2024: FULL INTERVIEW: Impact Plastics employee speaks about flooding in Unicoi County.
By the time management told the employees they could leave it was too late. The area surrounding the plant was completely flooded. There was no way out. He said they lost 6 employees from his shift. (emphasis mine)
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Flash Report #7 Hurricane Helene
Monday, September 30, 2024 | 05:40pm
- Governor Bill Lee requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration (Public Assistance and Individual Assistance) on September 30, 2024, for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Grainger County was also included on this expedited request but only for Public Assistance.
- The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance.
- Impacted counties have started establishing donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.
- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
- Water and wastewater infrastructure is impacted across the affected area.
- FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties. FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for Hawkins and Washington counties.
- Requests for assistance are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center, including private sector aide.
- Emergency Services Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TN Department of Military, and more are monitoring and responding to the situation to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
- Sheltering locations can be found on TEMA’s website.
- Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.
CURRENT SITUATION
Gov. Bill Lee requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration (Public Assistance and Individual Assistance) on September 30, 2024, for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Grainger County was also included on this expedited request but only for Public Assistance. This request, if granted, would be in addition to the federal assistance that has already been authorized by FEMA for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties in the previous Emergency Declarations.
As floodwaters continue to recede, we are beginning to have a better understanding of impacted water and wastewater infrastructure and some plants have reported problems. If you are without water, please check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.
Affected counties have started establishing donation collection centers. Information on these centers can be found on TEMA’s website. Before donating, please check with the county for a needs list. Additionally, a fund with the East Tennessee Foundation has been established for monetary donations.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.
TEMA continues to deploy personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.
POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES
As of Sept. 30, at 2:30 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 9,600 reports of power outages statewide.
TVA continues to monitor water levels.
Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to
flooding impacts:
Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board
Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority
As of 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sept. 30, 20 drinking water facilities have reported operational issues and five counties have issued boil water advisories. If you have lost water or have a loss of water pressure, check with your water system for more information and recommended actions:
Reported Issues w/ Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County-Water System)
Carter County—Elizabethton Water Department
Carter County—First Utility District of Carter County
Carter County—Hampton Utility District
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District
Johnson County—Mountain City Water Department
Unicoi County—Erwin Utilities Authority
Reported Issues w/out Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County- Water System)
Carter County— Roan Mountain Utility District
Carter County—Hampton Utility District
Carter County—South Elizabethton Utility District
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Greene County— Chuckey Utility District
Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District
Greene County—Greenville Water and Light Commission
Greene County— Glen Hills Utility District
Greene County—Mosheim Utility District
Greene County—Old Knoxville Hwy Utility District
Jefferson County—Dandridge Water Department
Johnson County— Brownlow Utility District
Johnson County—Carderview Utility District
Sevier County—Webb Creek Utility District
Unicoi County— Erwin Utilities Authority
Washington County-- Jonesborough Water Department
TBI: MISSING PERSONS
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.mThose wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. As of Monday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received more than 500 calls regarding missing individuals. Of those, approximately 100 are still active leads that TBI is coordinating with local law enforcement response.
- Carter County: 60
- Johnson County: 2
- Unicoi County: 10
- Washington County: 30
THP
THP is providing assistance with traffic, welfare, searches, and other law enforcement responsibilities in response to flooding and damage in the affected counties.
- THP is delivering commodities to survivors.
- THP is collaborating with TBI to assist with reunification.
- North Carolina has closed I-40 at the state line.
- I-26 at 40 mm is closed in Unicoi County due to flooding.
TDH
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed six weather-related fatalities.
- One in Knox County
- One in Johnson County
- Three in Unicoi County
- One in Washington County
- Several county health departments have been closed due to impacts.
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