Helene leads to dam collapse in Tennessee, with significant flood risks persisting
While the worst of Storm Helene has passed, the potential for catastrophic flooding remains as it continues eastward toward Kentucky and Tennessee. A major dam in northeast Tennessee collapsed around 7:11 a.m. ET, prompting an urgent alert from the National Water Prediction Service. Early Saturday morning, the National Weather Service issued a warning about an “imminent breach” of the Nolichucky Dam, urging residents to evacuate immediately. Located approximately 70 miles northeast of Pigeon Forge, the area is under a flash flood warning until noon ET. The warning emphasized the severity of the situation, urging people to move to higher ground and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
The storm has already caused significant devastation, claiming at least 44 lives across five states following Helene’s landfall on Thursday night. The hurricane, which reached Category 4 status with winds up to 140 mph, has affected Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, leading to state emergency declarations for federal assistance. Many deaths have been attributed to drowning and downed trees, with additional reports of individuals trapped in their homes. As Helene moves eastward, rainfall is expected to decrease, although flood warnings persist across the Southeast. In particular, Atlanta received a record 11.62 inches of rain within 48 hours, while Asheville saw 13.15 inches. The damage in regions like Florida’s Big Bend and South Georgia has been severe, with estimates of property damage reaching up to $26 billion.
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