Live electrical lines in the water are about as bad as it sounds, and that is exactly what Cocke County officials say they are dealing with near 776 Highway 107.
Emergency crews issued an urgent safety warning Saturday after power lines fell into a stretch of water in that area, creating what they described as an active electrical hazard. Drivers and pedestrians were urged to steer clear while responders and utility crews worked to make the scene safe.
In a Facebook alert posted around 12:30 p.m., the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency warned that “power lines are down in the water and are hot around 776 highway 107” and told the public to “avoid area around 776 highway 107 until a utility response can take care of the issue,” according to Cocke County Emergency Management Agency.
Officials Urge People To Stay Back And Call It In
The alert did not name a specific power provider. Newport Utilities supplies electric service to much of Cocke County and receives its power from TVA. Residents who spot downed wires or any electrical hazard are instructed to call 911 first and then report the location to the Newport Utilities outage line at (423) 625-2800, according to customer service information from Newport Utilities.
Why Water Makes This So Dangerous
When a live power line hits water, the danger does not stay put. Electricity can travel through the water and energize a much wider area, which means the surrounding ground, shoreline, and nearby objects can all become deadly.
Federal and weather-safety officials consistently remind the public to treat every downed line as if it is live, keep a wide distance, and call 911 and the local utility instead of trying to move anything themselves, according to the National Weather Service.
Another Power Scare In A Rough Season
This incident marks yet another power-related scare for the area this spring. In late May, a crash into a power pole knocked out electricity for about 1,500 customers and triggered a fast response from utility crews, according to pole crash blacks out 1,500.
Cocke County Emergency Management has continued using its Facebook page to push updates and has asked anyone who sees damage or hazards to contact emergency services. Officials say the stretch near Highway 107 will stay off-limits until utility workers confirm the lines are no longer a threat, per its advisory, according to the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency.
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