The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency shared that evacuations are expected for those affected by flooding along the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers.
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis is urging people to “relocate immediately” if they are near water and to not drive into water.
At 2:56 p.m., Mathis said that the Waterview Dam suffered a catastrophic failure and ordered all of downtown Newport to evacuate.
At 10:40 a.m., the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency shared that evacuations are expected for those affected by flooding along the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. At 12:45 p.m., Mathis said both are still expected to rise at least four to five more feet.
The EMA is encouraging people to stay with friends and family, however, the Newport Community Center on 433 Prospect Avenue in Newport is open for those who do not have a place to stay. Mathis added that Liberty Church in Cosby across from Carvers Orchard is also available for those evacuating.
Due to potential river flooding, Jefferson Cocke County Utility District asked its propane customers to evacuate if able to do so safely and turn off propane tanks before leaving around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Early Friday morning, the EMA shared that water on all three rivers had quickly risen in speed and levels since early Thursday afternoon. The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office shared that several roads and bridges were covered with water.
In Carter County, people in Roan Mountain are being evacuated Friday morning as flooding occurs across the region.
As the remnants of Helene move through the area, heavy rain and strong, potentially damaging winds are expected. High wind and flood warnings were issued for several counties, including Blount, Knox and Sevier Counties. To see current weather alerts, click here. Road conditions are continuing to deteriorate as the storms continue moving into our area, to find closures click here.