WATCH: Unicoi County officials update about recovery, relief

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Unicoi County officials held another briefing on Wednesday at Unicoi County High School to provide updates about Hurricane Helene recovery and relief.

As of Wednesday, Unicoi County EMA Director Jimmy Erwin said officials are still searching for one missing resident, whom search and rescue teams have vowed not to stop searching for .

The Unicoi County High School shelter has been closed, and one remaining resident has been reportedly taken care of by the American Red Cross. According to Erwin, all donations and supplies have been relocated to the Army National Guard and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kevin Kimbrough, Fall Branch District Commander with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), said THP troopers are working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to man traffic posts in Unicoi, Washington, Carter, Sullivan, Greene, and Johnson counties.

Kimbrough said officials, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), still have six vehicles to recover and search for missing persons. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and aviation crews are assisting with search efforts and security.

On Thursday, TDOT will open a section of I-26 for local motorists from the Tennessee/North Carolina line to Exit 40. This is to reconnect communities, like Erwin, affected by collapsed bridges.

Administrator of Elections Sarah Fain said elections on November 5 will proceed as planned, with Temple Hill Elementary School as the voting site. There are no anticipated changes, Fain said.

Erwin said residents needing shelter can call the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (423) 743-1864.

The briefing can be watched above.

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