‘Do not visit disaster areas’: TEMA warns of floodwater danger

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is warning people to stay away from flooded areas in the Northeast despite heavy rainfall beginning to slow.

Tennessee is currently in a level three state of emergency due to the severe floods in parts of the state and could see even more catastrophic damage before the water begins to disperse.

Friday night, the Tennessee Valley Authority warned of an “imminent breach” of the Nolichucky Dam in Greene County, which had the potential to cause damage to surrounding Cocke and Hamblen counties. On Saturday morning, the TVA announced that the Nolichuky River had crested and the dam remained intact. Water levels reportedly reached eight feet over the record elevation.

TEMA has shared crucial warnings for Tennesseans who may be experiencing floodwaters in their town, or wanting to travel to impacted areas to assist with clean-up efforts.

The agency reminds those in flooded areas to avoid walking and driving through floodwaters, stating, “All roads should be considered potentially hazardous.” Avoid passing around road closure signs and barriers warning of dangerous conditions.

TEMA also advised that no one should plan to visit flooded areas to avoid hindering emergency operations underway by professionals. They ask citizens to avoid traveling to impacted communities to help with clean-ups until guidance is given by local officials.

For more emergency response guidance, visit www.tn.gov .

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