Severe Flooding Prompts Widespread Rescues and Hospital Evacuations in Northeast Tennessee

Flooding at Unicoi Hospital Friday morningPhoto byJohn Dabbs

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Catastrophic flooding swept through Northeast Tennessee on Friday, prompting urgent evacuations, water rescues, and the closure of multiple hospitals. Ballad Health, the region's largest healthcare provider, activated its Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) as rescue operations unfolded across Greene, Unicoi, Carter, and Johnson counties.

The rising floodwaters from the Nolichucky River engulfed Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin early Friday, trapping hospital staff and patients. Swiftwater rescue teams were deployed throughout the region, and emergency response units from multiple counties worked tirelessly to assist in evacuations and water rescues. Rescue operations at Unicoi County Hospital were among the most critical.

Despite swift efforts by local emergency agencies, the rising waters prevented ground-based rescues, forcing over 50 people to seek refuge on the hospital roof. By 4:40 p.m., all hospital personnel and patients had been successfully evacuated thanks to coordinated efforts involving the Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sullivan County EMS, and Washington County-Johnson City EMS, among others. The hospital remains closed until further assessments can be made.

In addition to Unicoi County, evacuations were carried out at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton, which transferred 39 patients before halting most operations. The Carter County Rescue Squad, with assistance from Greene County EMS, Sullivan County EMS, Washington County-Johnson City EMS, and the Ambulance Service of Bristol, completed the evacuation of Sycamore Shoals and the partial evacuation of Lifecare Center of Elizabethton.

Ballad Health Chairman Alan Levine praised the teamwork of regional emergency services. "The heroism of our first responders, along with the coordinated efforts of local and state agencies, undoubtedly saved lives today," said Levine.

Rescue teams were stretched across the region. Swiftwater rescue teams from various counties and wildlife officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) assisted in water rescues in Greene, Unicoi, Carter, and Johnson counties and Unicoi County, Washington County-Johnson City EMS, TWRA officers, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol worked alongside local agencies to rescue residents stranded by floodwaters. The Highlands Emergency Air Rescue and Transport (HEART), the Virginia State Police Med-Flight II out of Abingdon, Virginia, and other air resources provided critical support for rescues and evacuations.

In Johnson County, the Johnson County Rescue Squad, with support from Highlands Emergency Air Rescue and Transport and the Virginia State Police Med-Flight II, carried out water rescues and evacuations throughout the day as the flooding continued to impact the area.

“Crews are still engaged in search and rescue operations across the region,” said a spokesperson for Ballad Health. “We urge residents to avoid flooded areas and call 911 if they are in immediate danger.”

Ballad Health has postponed all elective surgeries system-wide, and several clinics and urgent care centers remain closed. Officials advise patients to call ahead before seeking medical care at any facility. The health system will reassess operations as floodwaters recede and provide updates on hospital closures and services.

In the meantime, the health system’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support staff affected by the disaster, offering counseling and financial aid through the Ballad Health Foundation’s Team Member Assistance Fund.

Local officials continue to monitor the situation, warning that more rainfall could worsen conditions. Residents are urged to follow emergency guidance and avoid travel in flooded areas as rescue operations continue.