News Summary
Chattanooga officials have declared a local state of emergency due to unprecedented flooding caused by record rainfall, resulting in road closures, school cancellations, and public safety warnings. The severe weather resulted in over 6 inches of rain in just 24 hours, leading to significant disruptions in transportation and prompting emergency response measures. Residents are advised to avoid flooded areas and prioritize safety as authorities continue to monitor the situation and assist those affected.
Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency After Record Flooding
Chattanooga, TN—A severe flooding event caused by record-breaking rainfall has prompted officials in Chattanooga to declare a local state of emergency. The unprecedented weather has resulted in significant road closures, school cancellations, and ongoing warnings of dangerous flood conditions.
Record Rainfall and Flooding Impact
On Tuesday, Chattanooga experienced its second-wettest day on record, with a total of 6.42 inches of rain falling within a 24-hour period. This amount nearly doubled the city’s usual August rainfall, leading to widespread flooding throughout the area. The intense rainfall has overwhelmed drainage systems, causing several roads to become impassable and flooding homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Transportation Disruptions and Road Closures
Multiple road closures have been reported across the city and surrounding areas. Notable closures include East Brainerd Road (SR 320) at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road. The initial closure of I-24 in both directions caused traffic to become trapped, but emergency crews have since cleared the situation. Currently, all lanes on I-24 eastbound are open, while westbound lanes have been cleared of stranded vehicles.
Officials advise residents and motorists to exercise caution, especially on flooded roads. The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to issue flash flood warnings until later Tuesday night. The NWS emphasizes the persistent danger posed by flooded roads, consistently urging the public to “turn around, don’t drown.”
School Closures and Emergency Response
As a precautionary measure, Hamilton County Schools announced closures for Wednesday, August 13. Initially, schools planned a two-hour delay, but the flooding threat prompted officials to cancel classes altogether. Students and staff are instructed to stay safe at home.
The Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp declared a local state of emergency, enabling greater coordination of emergency resources. The mayor is working closely with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office to mobilize assistance and coordinate response efforts.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has advised residents to remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary driving. Several vehicles have become stranded in floodwaters, illustrating the dangerous conditions on city and county roads.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
To assist residents affected by the flooding, an evacuation site has been set up at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Rec Center. Community members seeking shelter are encouraged to use this facility rather than attempt to navigate flooded areas.
Ongoing Weather Conditions and Areas Most Affected
The flash flood warning remains in effect until 10:45 PM EDT, with ongoing thunderstorms contributing to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Areas expected to be hardest hit include Chattanooga, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. These locations are at particular risk for flash floods and associated hazards.
Summary
The recent weather has caused extensive flooding in Chattanooga, leading to record rainfall, emergency declarations, and widespread road closures. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as thunderstorms persist, and residents are urged to prioritize safety, stay off flooded roads, and heed official warnings.
Emergency officials remind the public that floodwaters can be swift and dangerous, urging everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions during these severe weather conditions.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Flooding Causes Problems & Evacuations
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- New York Times: Flooding in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Google Search: Chattanooga flooding
- CNN: Chattanooga Rain Flood Video
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga floods
- WBIR: Heavy Rains Flooding Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in Tennessee
- Hindustan Times: Chattanooga Flooding Chaos
- Google News: Chattanooga floods
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
