The Nolichucky River in East Tennessee nearly faced a catastrophic flood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Helene caused torrential rainfall, pushing the river several feet above record flood stage.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reported concerns about a potential failure of the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an urgent Flash Flood Emergency warning, highlighting life-threatening flash flooding. On Friday, raging waters were observed crashing over the dam, prompting fears of its imminent breach.
⚠️(Nolichucky Dam Update)⚠️ The Nolichucky River has crested, and the dam remains intact. Water is currently receding by approximately one foot per hour. Our Dam Safety teams are in the process of assessing the condition of the dam to determine next steps.
We are estimating water… pic.twitter.com/gacmrPmr9Y— Tennessee Valley Authority (@TVAnews) September 28, 2024
The TVA responded by issuing a Condition Red Warning due to Helene’s heavy rainfall, which led to record river levels. However, the Nolichucky River crested late Saturday morning and the dam remained intact.
The TVA informed the public through social media that water levels were receding by about one foot (30 centimetres) per hour. Dam Safety teams are currently assessing the dam’s condition to determine the next steps.
Water levels were estimated to have reached 8 feet above the record elevation. Despite the dam holding, significant flooding was reported along the river. Rainfall in the nearby Appalachian Mountains totalled 15 to 25 inches (25 to 64 cm) or more.
Powerful floods from Helene collapsed the Kisner Bridge in Afton, Tennessee, into the roaring Nolichucky River. pic.twitter.com/MkE20hm559
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) September 28, 2024
The NWS warned that if the dam were to fail, a flood wave would reach West Allens Bridge Road within 20 minutes.
The town of Erwin, also in the river’s path, experienced flooding from the record rains. A dramatic rescue took place there, involving dozens of hospital staff and patients who had to be evacuated from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital due to rising floodwaters.
What Other Media Are Saying
- FOX Weather reports catastrophic flooding near Nolichucky Dam in East Tennessee due to Hurricane Helene, posing an imminent danger with potential dam failure and widespread devastation downstream. (Read more)
- Yahoo News reported that the Tennessee dam narrowly avoided failure after heavy rain from Helene, triggering dire Flash Flood Emergency warnings. (Read more)
- Associated Press reported that Hurricane Helene’s aftermath reveals devastating impacts in Tennessee. Rescue operations continue as communities grapple with isolation and infrastructure damage. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the critical flood emergency in Greeneville, Tennessee?
The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused torrential rainfall, pushing the Nolichucky River several feet above record flood stage.
What warning did the National Weather Service issue?
The NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency warning of life-threatening flash flooding.
Did the Nolichucky Dam breach during the flood?
No, the Nolichucky Dam remained intact despite fears of an imminent breach.
How much rainfall was reported in the nearby Appalachian Mountains?
Rainfall totals reached 25 to 64 centimetres or more.
What immediate danger would occur if the Nolichucky Dam failed?
A wall of water would reach West Allens Bridge Road in just 20 minutes.
