The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a warning to residents living downstream of the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville, Tennessee, urging them to evacuate immediately as the dam struggles to contain the massive floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Helene.
According to the TVA, the Nolichucky River has crested, but the dam remains intact for now. However, water levels reached a record 8 feet over the previous elevation, causing concerns about the dam’s structural integrity. The TVA’s Dam Safety teams are currently assessing the condition of the dam to determine the next course of action.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that if the dam fails, the water could reach as far as West Allens Bridge Road in just 20 minutes. The town of Erwin, which is already experiencing flooding from the record rains, is also at risk.
The town was the site of a dramatic rescue earlier, where dozens of hospital staff and patients were stranded on the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital after floodwaters surged into the area.
Video footage shows the devastating impact of the floodwaters, including a section of a bridge being washed away, leaving cars stranded on either side.
Greene County Chief Deputy David Beverly warned residents, “We think it would be better for your safety to evacuate and go to the shelters or if you have a safe place to go, if you live within a mile of the Nolichucky dam, either on the actual highway or downriver.”
