Residents of Cocke County are being advised to evacuate as the remnants of Hurricane Helene exacerbate flooding conditions along the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) has stated, "Evacuations are expected for those near the Pigeon and French Broad rivers," and recommends staying with family or friends, but for those unable to do so, the Newport Community Center at 433 Prospect Avenue is open as a shelter, WBIR reported.
According to WBIR, the situation is rapidly deteriorating as the Pigeon River hit a major flood stage at 16 feet and it's expected to rise to 22 feet tonight. Furthermore, the French Broad River is also expected to hit a major flood stage and is forecast to crest at 23 feet by tomorrow morning creating a serious risk for those in the vicinity of these swelling waterways. While Tropical Storm Helene moves on, consequences linger, and with surging waters from catastrophic flooding in North Carolina heading downstream, officials are urging a proactive response from residents, especially those with propane tanks who have been asked by Jefferson Cocke County Utility District to evacuate and turn off their tanks to prevent further hazards.
The pervasive reach of the storm has resulted in multiple roads and bridges in Cocke County being submerged under water early Friday morning; this prompted the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public advisory for these areas, WATE noted. Besides, other counties in East Tennessee, including Blount, Knox, and Sevier are under high wind and flood warnings. The Tennessee Department of Transportation highlighted closures as well, stating that the ramps on and off I-40 at Exit 447 to Hartford Road were shut on Friday morning after the roadway succumbed to the floodwaters.
