Urgent Flood Alert Issued for Knoxville Residents Near French Broad River as Water Releases Increase from Douglas Dam

Urgent Flood Alert for Residents Along the French Broad River in Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee – A Growing Concern

Residents of Knoxville, particularly those living near the beautiful French Broad River, have some important news to keep in mind as the weekend approaches. According to forecasts from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) River Forecast Center, the Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) has issued an urgent warning regarding potential flooding. This comes in light of the increased water release from Douglas Dam, which is set to impact communities downstream.

What’s Happening at Douglas Dam?

Right now, Douglas Dam is discharging a hefty 55,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water. However, by mid-afternoon today, this discharge is expected to ramp up to **66,000 cfs**, which is a significant increase. This action is necessary to maintain the dam’s integrity while managing water flow that’s headed downstream from Northeast Tennessee. The implications of this increased discharge are substantial—forecasts indicate that the French Broad River could rise by **2.0 to 2.5 feet** within this timeframe.

Residents may be feeling a bit anxious as they hear this news, and it makes sense! Flooding can be a serious concern, especially when sudden changes occur to local waterways. But don’t worry—officials are monitoring the situation closely and are committed to keeping you informed.

What Should You Do?

If you live in the affected areas or are concerned about flooding, here are some important precautions to consider:

– **Stay Informed**: It’s crucial to keep an eye on updates from KEMA as they will notify communities as quickly as possible if evacuation is recommended.
– **Prepare for Potential Evacuations**: Make sure you have a plan in place. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate and keep emergency supplies ready for yourself and your family.
– **Monitor Local Reports**: Follow local news and official sources for the most accurate and timely information.

KEMA takes its role very seriously as the central point of coordination for emergency situations. They lead the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during disasters, ensuring that local emergency response efforts are effective and organized. This includes coordination with law enforcement, fire, rescue, and other emergency agencies.

The Importance of Community Preparedness

It’s important to understand that while this situation is worrying, being informed and prepared can make a world of difference. Community alerts like this remind us how interlinked we are in such emergency situations. The safety and wellbeing of residents is the utmost priority, and cooperation is key.

KEMA works hard along with various local agencies that include representatives from public health, healthcare, and nonprofits to ensure everyone is supported during these critical times.

Final Thoughts

In summary, residents along the French Broad River should remain vigilant as the water release from Douglas Dam increases. With proactive steps and clear communication from local agencies, we can navigate through this concern together. Remember to keep your loved ones informed, prepare your evacuation plans, and stay tuned for more updates.

As the situation evolves, the community’s safety remains the highest priority. Together, we can face whatever challenges come our way. Stay safe, Knoxville!