TEMA with an Update Regarding Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Tennessee

TEMA with an Update Regarding Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Tennessee

September 30, 2024

KEY HIGHLIGHTS from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s update regarding Hurricane Helene’s impact on Tennessee – Sunday evening September 29, 2024

  • Impacted counties do not have the capability to receive material donations or volunteers that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy; it hinders life safety operations in impacted counties.
  • 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.
  • Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
  • Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate.
  • 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 https://www.tn.gov/tema.html.
  • Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website https://smartway.tn.gov/.

CURRENT SITUATION

While local communities appreciate the volunteer spirit during disasters, please DO NOT send donations that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy to disaster areas – this will hinder response and recovery operations. A fund with the East Tennessee Foundation https://easttennesseefoundation.org/ has been established for monetary donations for impacted counties.

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.

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.

Due to the continued impacts, Gov. Bill Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency through Executive Order 105 to provide critical relief to survivors of the severe weather and flooding in Tennessee. 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.

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 September 29, at 1:00 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 18,800 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. 29, six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and four 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—Elizabeth Water Department

Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board

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

Johnson County— Brownlow Utility District

Johnson County—Carderview Utility District

Unicoi County— Erwin Utilities Authority

Washington County- Jonesborough Water Department

TBI

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. 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. As of Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received 337 calls seeking information about individuals in East Tennessee.

Authorities continue their efforts to locate the following number of people. With limited cell service and infrastructure challenges in the impacted areas, authorities believe many of these individuals are safe, but unable to presently identify themselves as such.

  • Washington County: 62
  • Johnson County: 4
  • Unicoi County: 47
  • Other Surrounding Counties: 40

SHELTERING LOCATIONS

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 collaborating with TBI to assist with reunification.
  • North Carolina has closed I-40 West of Asheville 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 two weather-related fatalities.
    • One in Johnson County
    • One in Unicoi County
  • Several county health departments have been closed due to impacts.

TDOT

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

  • Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
  • Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
  • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Continue to monitor for updated weather information from reliable sources.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance. 

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