The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Sevier County, Tennessee, where the park is situated, on Sunday from 5.39pm, expected to last until 9.45pm. The flooding led to parts of Veterans Boulevard being closed off.
Videos uploaded online by visitors to Dollywood showed the extent of the rainfall, with picnic tables and umbrellas visible in the downpour. People were seen wading through ankle-deep water that later rose to waist height.
Another video depicted a gift shop in the park flooded with its doors open. Visitors struggled to leave as cars were reported to be submerged by eyewitnesses.
One visitor shared their experience on Twitter, now known as X. "We just made it out of the parking lot. They cut the fencing at the front to make a shortcut. Luckily we had parked in lot B away from the low side, so we made it out but there were several cars that were submerged about 3/4 up. The first responders are doing everything they can," they wrote.
"I still love Dollywood... but we barely escaped today," another person posted. A third commented: "Didn't have being stranded in the @Dollywood parking lot due to major flooding on my 2024 bingo card."
The Pigeon Forge Police Department has announced the closure of McCarter Hollow to Forge Hideaway Road due to flooding, advising motorists to take the Parkway instead. Sevier County's Deputy Leader Bryan McCarter reported that many secondary roads are currently impassable.
Via Twitter, the Knoxville Police Department issued a caution: "Periods of heavy rain are expected in our area for the next hour or more. Use caution on the roads, watch out for standing water, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. And remember, as always, to never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don't drown."
Dollywood stands as Tennessee's most visited ticketed tourist spot, with nearly three million guests from mid-March through the holiday season every year.
Originating in 1961 as Rebel Railroad, the park went through several incarnations including Goldrush Junction, Goldrush, and Silver Dollar City before Dolly Parton became a co-owner and it was renamed to Dollywood in 1986.
In response to the severe weather incident, Dollywood provided The US Mirror with a comment stating: "This afternoon, Sunday, July 28, a strong thunderstorm caused flash flooding at Dollywood. With the assistance of Pigeon Forge Police and Fire Departments, park personnel directed guests to safety during the storm. At this time, one minor injury has been reported."
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