After Hurricane Helen devastated multiple states, massive flooding and near disaster occurred along the Nolichucky River in Tennessee.
Officials with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) feared rising water levels could cause Fox Weather's Nolichucky Dam in Greenville to rupture imminently. reported Saturday.
In an update early Saturday morning, TVA said, shared A video showing a large amount of water flowing over the dam.
“The Nolichucky River has reached its highest level, but the dam remains intact. The water is currently receding at about a foot per hour. Our dam safety team is working to determine next steps. We are currently evaluating the condition of the dam and estimate that the water level is 8 feet above record elevation.''
According to the Weather Channel, authorities began calling on residents downstream of the dam to evacuate after the dam cracked as the region tried to recover from heavy rains brought by the hurricane. reported Saturday.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that if the dam fails, water could reach West Allens Bridge Road in about 20 minutes, according to a Fox article.
“The town of Irwin was also on a treacherous path from the Nolichucky River. The town had already been flooded by record-breaking rains, and for hours after the floodwaters rolled into town, “It was the scene of a daring rescue of dozens of hospital staff and patients who had spent many hours there,” the paper said.
More video footage show The flooding occurred after a portion of the bridge in the area was washed away as cars were waiting on one side of the bridge.
“For everyone's safety, if you live within a mile of Nolichucky Dam, which is on an actual highway, please evacuate and go to a shelter or wherever you are going,” said Greene County Chief Deputy David Beverly. If there is, I think it would be better to evacuate.” Or downstream of the dam. ”
