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    • Storms and Hurricane Helene lead to flood warnings
    Duluth

    Storms and Hurricane Helene lead to flood warnings

    Eira Gwyneth Posted on

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    A flood warning is in effect for East Tennessee for the next few days as a late summer storm and the outer bands of Hurricane Helene bring nonstop rain.

    The National Weather Service has issued a dangerous flash flood warning for central Blount County (including Maryville) and central western Sevier County (including Gatlinburg), where several inches of rain have already fallen.

    “Our biggest concern for today and into Friday night is flooding and strong winds. There is a slight risk of severe storms or a tornado warning today that will occur primarily northeast of the Knoxville metropolitan area, but our main focus is flooding and winds,” National Weather Service meteorologist Charles Dalton told Knox News.

    The weather service office in Morristown says excessive runoff could cause rivers and streams to quickly overflow their banks: “Stay away or you will be swept away. River banks and culverts may become unstable and unsafe,” the weather service warns.

    The rain falling now is the result of a normal storm, but we’ll know when the remnants of Helene arrive because that’s when the winds will pick up, too. Watch for new warnings then.

    A second wave of storms is coming tonight and through September 26. Rainy weather will continue through September 27.

    Flood protection tips: How to protect yourself and your home

    The most important thing for your safety and that of your family is to stay up to date with the current warnings in our region.

    “There have to be multiple ways to get warnings because sometimes cell towers go down. Sometimes weather and aviation radios don’t work properly,” Dalton said.

    If you are driving in a flood-prone area, make sure you have an escape route in case you are caught in a flash flood.

    The first step is of course to leave the area, but if that is not possible, you should go to the highest place to stay out of the flood waters and not be in them.

    Try to contact emergency services as soon as you are in a safe place.

    Remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms can bring dangerous winds, even here in Tennessee. The key is to be aware of your surroundings.

    “Just be careful and know what your situation is in terms of falling trees and other things around your house (or car),” Dalton said.

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    Eira Gwyneth
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