News Summary

Chattanooga faces severe challenges with record-breaking flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, leading to a Local State of Emergency declared by Hamilton County Mayor. Schools have closed, roads are impacted, and evacuation resources are being mobilized. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay informed as emergency measures are implemented.

Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency Following Record-Breaking Flooding

Chattanooga, TN – The city of Chattanooga is facing significant challenges following record-breaking flooding resulting from heavy rainfall that has devastated area roads and disrupted normal activities. As a consequence of the extreme weather, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has declared a Local State of Emergency to facilitate coordinated emergency response efforts.

On August 13, 2023, Chattanooga recorded its second-wettest day on record, with 6.42 inches of rain falling in just a single day. This staggering amount of rainfall is nearly double the city’s average rainfall for the entire month of August. As a precautionary measure, Hamilton County Schools announced their closure for Wednesday due to the extensive flooding. Initially, the school district indicated a two-hour delay, but the decision to close schools was made for the safety of students and staff.

Current Situation and Safety Measures

Flood warnings remain in effect until later Tuesday night, and the National Weather Service (NWS) continues to monitor the situation closely. Residents are being cautioned about ongoing flash flooding and urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling. The NWS has highlighted the dangers of flooded roads, emphasizing the importance of the phrase “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooding while driving.

Multiple roads have been reported closed due to the flooding, including sections of East Brainerd Road (SR 320) at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road, which was initially closed in both directions. Fortunately, trapped traffic on I-24 West has been cleared, and as of now, all lanes on I-24 East are open. However, other areas remain difficult to navigate due to high water levels.

Emergency Resources and Evacuations

In response to the severe flooding, local authorities have established an evacuation site at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Rec Center to assist displaced residents. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has urged community members to stay in safe locations and to avoid unnecessary travel during this time. Visual evidence from social media platforms shows multiple vehicles stranded in floodwaters, underscoring the extent of the flooding issues.

Weather Conditions

As thunderstorms continue to develop in the area, rainfall is expected to contribute to further flooding. The regions that are likely to experience significant flash flooding include Chattanooga, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. The NWS has issued a Flash Flood Warning that will remain in effect until 10:45 PM EDT, prompting residents to remain vigilant and prepared for additional rain and potential flooding.

Conclusion

Chattanooga officials are taking decisive actions to ensure the safety of residents in response to the unprecedented rainfall and flooding. With schools closed, roads impacted, and emergency resources being mobilized, city officials are focused on managing the immediate challenges posed by this flooding event. Community members are encouraged to stay informed of the situation and adhere to safety advisories while efforts to recover from the flooding continue.

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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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