COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Residents in Newport, Tennessee have been ordered to evacuate after theWaterville Dam suffered what Mayor Rob Mathis known as “a catastrophic failure.”
Tennessee Emergency Administration Company (TEMA) later reported that Duke Power claimed the dam “has not failed,” however the evacuations stay in place.
“Evacuations are nonetheless occurring within the space. Please observe native official steering when you dwell within the area,” TEMA says.
WATE says Mayor Mathis hasofficially declared a State of Emergency for Cocke County.
At 10:40 a.m., WATE experiences that the Cocke County Emergency Administration Company shared that evacuations are anticipated for these affected by flooding alongside the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers.
At 12:45 p.m., Mathis mentioned each are nonetheless anticipated to rise no less than 4 to 5 extra ft.
The Chattanooga Hearth Division tells us they’re sending firefighters,together with personnel from Sign Mountain Hearth, Tri-Neighborhood Hearth and Madisonville Hearth, to assist with the emergency scenario in Newport.
CFD saysEast Ridge, Bradley County, and Cleveland firefighters will likely be aiding with swiftwater rescue efforts.
It is a creating story and will likely be up to date as we study extra.
