Greeneville, United States - September 28, 2024

In a dramatic escalation of the flood crisis, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has reported that the Nolichucky Dam near Greeneville, Tennessee, experienced an unprecedented water flow, with over 30,000 cubic feet per second cascading over its spillways. This surge, triggered by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, has resulted in the river reaching levels eight feet above previous records.

The TVA, responsible for managing the region's dams, confirmed that despite the harrowing volumes of water, the Nolichucky Dam is operating as designed, allowing water to spill over to prevent a catastrophic failure. This controlled overflow, however, paints a vivid picture of the overwhelming natural forces at play, as the dam's infrastructure manages the torrential influx.

With river levels cresting and water beginning to recede at a rate of about one foot per hour, residents and emergency services can breathe a slight sigh of relief. The situation, though still dire, has stabilized somewhat, offering a moment for authorities to assess the broader impact and potential for further flooding.

TVA's Dam Safety teams are currently on-site, meticulously evaluating the dam's structural integrity. This assessment is crucial not only for understanding any immediate risks but also for planning the necessary repairs or enhancements to withstand future events. The rapid rise in river and lake levels, exacerbated by the heavy rainfall from Helene, underscores the vulnerability of even well-engineered flood defenses when faced with extreme weather conditions.

The flooding has not only strained the dam but has also inundated nearby communities, with roads becoming impassable rivers and homes threatened by the encroaching waters. Emergency services, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol and local fire departments, have been in continuous action, conducting rescue operations for those stranded by the rising waters.