Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency Due to Flooding

Categories: National School NewsWeather Delays/Cancellations

Emergency services respond to severe flooding in Chattanooga as residents navigate road closures.

News Summary

Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency following historic rainfall that caused severe flooding and road closures. Mayor Weston Wamp reported 6.42 inches of rain, leading to disrupted public services, including the closure of Hamilton County Schools. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings, with residents advised to exercise caution. An evacuation site is set up for those affected. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to provide assistance as the area recovers from this extreme weather event.

Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency following record-breaking rainfall that led to substantial flooding across the area, impacting roadways and public services. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp made the announcement as the region continues to recover from one of its wettest days in history, with Chattanooga reporting 6.42 inches of rain, marking the second-wettest day ever recorded for the city.

The extreme rainfall has resulted in road closures and significant disruptions. In particular, East Brainerd Road at Gunbarrel Road and a stretch of I-24 at McBrien Road were reported closed due to hazardous conditions. Although initial trapped traffic on I-24 West was cleared, drivers should remain cautious as authorities have advised against non-essential travel. All lanes on I-24 East have since reopened.

The situation has also affected educational activities in the region, with Hamilton County Schools announcing their closure on Wednesday, August 13. Schools were initially set to have a two-hour delay, but the decision was made to close for the day due to the severity of flooding conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to issue flash flood warnings for Chattanooga and its surrounding areas, indicating that the risk of further flooding remains high through the evening. Residents are urged to exercise caution and remain in safe locations, as additional thunderstorms are likely to contribute to ongoing rainfall throughout the day.

Residents of Chattanooga have reported seeing numerous vehicles stranded in floodwaters, underscoring the danger posed by the severe weather. The NWS has emphasized the critical advice to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roadways.

An evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center for those in need of assistance. Local authorities, including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency responses in collaboration with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office.

Ongoing flood warnings are in effect until at least 10:45 PM EDT, with areas at risk including Chattanooga itself, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. The combination of heavy rain and thunderstorms has precipitated unusual weather conditions for August, with rainfall totals nearly doubling the normal precipitation levels for the month in just a single day.

As conditions evolve, officials remain on high alert, prepared to support those affected by the flooding and to ensure community safety. Residents are advised to stay aware of updates from local authorities and to take precautions as the situation continues to develop.