Local emergency response teams prepare for flooding

TRI-CITIES (WJHL)—The Tri-Cities experienced flooding in some areas on Wednesday, the aftermath of the first recorded September tornado in East Tennessee history .

The region has seen some steady and heavy rainfalls, which have caused flooding in some areas, including the Greeneville and Tusculum city limits. The emergency response teams there prepared to take action for any flooding of concern.

“We work with PD [police departments] and the Emergency Management Agencies [to] control the roadways,” Erich Winter, Battalion Chief of Greeneville Fire Department said. “We monitor weather, and we survey the normal flooded areas in Greeneville.”

Winter said the station had received one flooding-related call on Wednesday.

“Involving a daycare, the driveway to the daycare was flooded, so we had to get the children out.”

The EMS team in Johnson City is also prepared. They have gathered life-saving equipment and ensured crews are on standby.

Dan Wheeley, Washington County/Johnson City EMS Chief, said, “We’re checking equipment and making sure boats are inflated and ready and all the equipment’s ready. We’ve been polling off-duty staff, both us and the Johnson City Fire Department, to see availability of people who could come in over the next three days to assist if needed.”

Wheeley said high winds are expected, and the community must watch for downed trees and powerlines.

Wheeley and Winter urge the public to stay away from floodwaters.

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