Chattanooga Faces Widespread Flooding Amid Record Rainfall

News Summary

Chattanooga is experiencing severe flooding after record rainfall led to a Local State of Emergency declared by Mayor Weston Wamp. With 6.42 inches of rain, roads are closed, schools are shut, and residents are urged to stay safe. Evacuation sites and warnings about hazardous conditions are in effect as officials respond to the crisis.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is facing significant challenges as record-breaking rainfall has led to widespread flooding and an array of road closures across the city. In a decisive response to the severe weather conditions, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has declared a Local State of Emergency to ensure that resources can be mobilized effectively.

On August 12, Chattanooga recorded its second-wettest day on record, receiving a staggering 6.42 inches of rain in just 24 hours. This amount of precipitation is nearly double the typical rainfall expected for the entire month of August, which has resulted in dramatic flooding throughout the region. Officials from the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued flash flood warnings that remain in effect until 10:45 PM EDT, urging residents to exercise caution due to ongoing thunderstorms and the associated risk of continued flooding.

As a result of the hazardous conditions, Hamilton County Schools announced the closure of all facilities on Wednesday, August 13. The decision to close schools came after an initial two-hour delay, underscoring the urgency of the situation as water levels continued to rise.

Multiple roads have been affected by the flooding, with significant closures including East Brainerd Road at Gunbarrel Road and Interstate 24 at McBrien Road, which was temporarily closed in both directions. While efforts have been made to clear traffic that was stranded on I-24 West, all lanes on I-24 East are now reported to be open. However, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has issued advisories urging residents to remain in safe locations and refrain from driving unless necessary.

Photographic evidence from the area shows numerous vehicles trapped in floodwaters, underscoring the severity of the flooding. As additional safety measures, an evacuation site has been set up at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center for those displaced by the weather conditions.

The NWS continues to warn of the dangerous nature of flooded roads, advising residents with a simple but crucial message: “turn around, don’t drown.” The ongoing thunderstorms exacerbate the flooding situation, with specific areas likely to experience flash flooding including Chattanooga, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank.

The Local State of Emergency will enable Mayor Wamp to coordinate more effectively with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office. This state of emergency allows for a swift deployment of resources and assistance to those affected by the flooding.

With road conditions remaining perilous and additional rain forecasted, local officials are working diligently to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary support to the residents of Chattanooga. The situation continues to develop, and further updates will be provided as it unfolds. In the meantime, residents are urged to stay informed and exercise caution in light of the ongoing flash flooding risks.

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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