Thank you, your prayers and support are desperately needed by our residents. The people of Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina are suffering. immensely. I live in Carter County, Tennessee on the Watauga River about 10 miles downstream from the Watauga Dam. The tailwaters of this river extend to Boone, NC. This river enters Tennessee and passes through Watauga Lake. Elk River also runs into this lake from NC. This lake is large (approximately 19 miles long and excess of 300 feet deep in some places) and is at the top of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) chain. We have had a dry summer here and the TVA was in the process of drawing down the lake to winter pool level. This became enormously important for all of us who live below the dam. The runoff from the storm filled the lake to the highest capacity EVER in less than 24 hours. On Friday morning, we were hit by the full storm and the lake was at near capacity. The Watauga Dam continued to hold the water. However, other tributaries such the Doe River and Stoney Creek enter the Watauga River below the Watauga Dam. Elizabethton TN is the location of the intersection of the Doe River, Stoney Creek, and the Watauga River. Elizabethton TN, Roan Mountain TN, Hampton TN received extensive flood damage. Many people in these areas continue to suffer from the lack of clean water, electricity, communication, food, transportation difficulties, and the loss of their homes. Remember, there are trees across roads and powerlines everywhere. Friday and Saturday became all about SURVIVAL for many and several did not survive in NC and Unicoi County, TN. The Watauga River level was the highest it has been, since the flood in the early1940's, before the Watauga Dam was constructed. I heard, the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee received the highest rainfall ever recorded.
TVA decided that the dam had to be relived. Sometime between 11:00 and 12:00 on Friday morning, water was released and continues, now. I lost all communication on Friday and did not know what was going on upstream. The water climbed fast all day, leveled off at about 4:45pm on Friday, stopping about 50 feet from my house. This may sound like it was not very close, however, this was a wall of water about 200 yds wide, moving extremely fast, with little elevation gain needed. The river could have easily veered to the right due to log jams or rising water, since a cliff borders the river on the far side. I was sure my home was lost as well as my farm. I suffered no losses, but gained more gray hair. The hand of God had to be on my shoulder!
Our neighboring county, Unicoi County TN/Town of Erwin received a blast of water that came down the Nolichucky River through a gorge from NC. They did not have the luxury of a dam on the river. The river completely destroyed a good portion of the town. In true flash flood fashion. it quickly surrounded a hospital and may businesses, then spread. Many were rescued by VA State Police helicopters, Military Blackhawks and First Responders. Two Interstate 26 bridges spanning the river are now in the river. The loss of life continues to climb in Unicoi TN as well as the counties of NC/Asheville. I had no conception of what happened about 15 miles away until the next day. Many have lost everything, including their lives. Drinking water has become a problem in many areas on the Nolichucky. Water filtration plants and associated piping were completely destroyed. All but one bridge from Erwin TN to Greenville TN were destroyed. The Town Greenville TN lost its ability to filter drinking water.
***Please go to YouTube and check out Johnson City Aerial Photography, LLC Erwin TN
I have no affiliation with these folks. They have a great video of the aftermath.
****Lessons learned: We are living in a changing world with changing weather patterns!
I lost; cell phone coverage, internet, landline telephone, television, many lost electricity. Had no communication with outside world.
Transportaion may become non-existent due to down trees and washed-out bridges.
Safe drinking water may become a problem. Identify wells, springs, other sources that are safe to obtain water from,
Regaining your services may be very slow. Flood happened Friday, I regained cell phone, landline telephone, television, internet, today.
Make sure Emergency Broadcasting in enabled on your cell phone. It is a lifesaver during a flash flood.
Emergency services will become over-taxed.
Know when to evacuate. No one may be able to tell you what is coming.
Get a weather alert radio with extra batteries and charger for your home.
You absolutely must have good flashlights.
Generators are important to preserving food and other essentials.
Never say never, it may be your turn next.
Most important: Have A Plan!
****Help your neighbor. Several people came by to offer help or called before service was lost. Emergency Services will be maxed!
