(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Cocke County, TN (WVLT) The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is claiming that Walters Dam, otherwise known as Waterville Dam, has not failed. TEMA is citing the dam’s owner, Duke Energy.
It comes just about an hour after Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said the dam had suffered a “catastrophic failure.”
“THE WATERVILLE DAM HAS SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE,” Mathis posted to Facebook. “EVACUATION ALL OF DOWNTOWN NEWPORT IMMEDIATELY.”
It’s important to note that both Mathis and TEMA are standing by the evacuation order.
The evacuation notice comes as heavy rain brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused flooding all over Cocke County, especially in areas near the Pigeon River and French Broad River.
According to the United States Geological Survey, both rivers normally sit below five feet. As of noon, the Pigeon River was sitting at 20.57 feet. As of 12:45 p.m., the French Broad River was sitting just under 17 feet.
The dam is owned by Duke Energy. WVLT News has reached out for the latest information, however the company’s website is also providing some insight into the dam’s status.
Spillway gates are open at the Waterville Dam. Expect dangerous high flow conditions downstream of Waterville Dam and Walters hydro station. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment of the bypassed reach can create dangerous conditions. As always, we encourage residents living along rivers, streams and other lower lying and flood-prone areas to pay special attention to changing weather conditions and take any necessary precautions. – Duke Energy
As for the dam itself, the Army Corps of Engineers keeps an inventory of dams across the country.
The National Inventory of Dams lists Walters Dam as “high” for potential hazards.
It’s the latest in a series of updates from Mathis about emergency conditions in Cocke County.
“All county and city emergency resources are currently fully engaged in water rescue and evacuation operations,” Mathis said earlier in the day Friday. “We are still several hours from the expected high-water mark. Thank you to all of our emergency responders for their heroic efforts today and in the days to come.”
The situation, not just in Cocke County but across all of Eastern Tennessee, prompted a response from Gov. Bill Lee.
“As Tennessee continues to experience severe weather and flooding from Hurricane Helene, we are monitoring conditions and urge Tennesseans to follow local guidance for key resources, safety information and community updates,” Lee said. “Maria and I continue to pray for all impacted Tennesseans.”
There is also a shelter open at the Newport Community Center (433 Prospect Ave.) for those living north of Wilton Springs. The Liberty Church in Cosby was designated as the evacuation center for those south of Wilton Springs.
TEMA also provides a list of emergency shelters throughout the state. That’s available here.
Mathis has also declared a state of emergency in Cocke County.
