Flash Flood Warning Issued for Nolichucky River as Dam Status Changes to Condition Red; Immediate Evacuations Ordered

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Flash Flood Warning for communities along the Nolichucky River downstream of the dam until 3:45 a.m. Saturday.

"A Flash Flood Warning for potential dam failure has been issued for areas below the Nolichucky Dam due to imminent failure reported by TVA. Please follow evacuation orders and never drive into floodwaters," the NWS stated.

The warning was issued at 11:35 p.m. Friday and declares a Flash Flood emergency for towns and cities immediately downstream of the Nolichucky Dam. The NWS reported that dam operators indicated imminent failure.

"This is a particularly dangerous situation. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!" the NWS urged.

Affected areas include North Central Cocke County, Southwestern Greene County, and Southeastern Hamblen County. The NWS noted that if complete dam failure occurs, the initial wave could reach the Briar Thicket Road Bridge in about three hours and the Highway 160 Bridge in about four hours.

Earlier, TVA had issued a Condition Yellow for the dam but updated the status to red about two hours later.