CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga Fire Department crews spent hours Tuesday night rescuing motorists trapped in vehicles and helping residents stranded in their homes as flash flooding swept across the city.

Swiftwater rescue personnel responded to multiple calls, including incidents on McCutcheon and Hickory Valley roads where drivers were trapped in cars. Interstate 24 between Belvoir and Spring Creek was shut down indefinitely in both directions until the water receded later that evening.

The Brainerd Recreation Center was opened as a shelter for displaced residents. No injuries were reported. Officials urged the public to avoid flooded roads, stressing, “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Source: Chattanooga Fire Department