News Summary

Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency after record-breaking rainfall led to severe flooding, resulting in school closures and multiple road closures. Hamilton County Schools announced the closure on August 13 amid safety concerns. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings as flash flooding risks continue. Local officials are coordinating efforts to support affected residents and provide shelter. Emergency services are addressing immediate needs as continued thunderstorms may exacerbate the situation.

Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency Following Record-Breaking Flooding

Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency following unprecedented flooding caused by heavy rainfall that struck the area recently. The city recorded its second-wettest day on record, registering 6.42 inches of rain, nearly doubling the average precipitation typically seen in August.

As a result of the flooding, Hamilton County Schools have announced they will close on Wednesday, August 13. Initially, a two-hour delay was planned, but ongoing safety concerns led to the decision to close all schools. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings that remain in effect until later Tuesday night, urging residents to exercise caution.

Multiple road closures have been reported throughout the region, particularly affecting major thoroughfares. Notably, East Brainerd Road at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road faced closures, with traffic originally trapped on I-24 West cleared and all lanes on I-24 East now reopened. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to stay in safe locations and avoid driving under current conditions.

The National Weather Service is warning of ongoing flash flooding and has emphasized the dangers of flooded roads, encouraging residents to “turn around, don’t drown.” Photos and videos circulating on social media depict numerous vehicles stranded in floodwaters across Chattanooga.

In response to the crisis, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has stepped in to coordinate efforts with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office. An open evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center for those seeking shelter from the severe weather.

The flash flood warning is in effect until 10:45 PM EDT for various areas, including Chattanooga, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. Ongoing thunderstorms are expected to exacerbate rainfall totals, resulting in a continued risk of flash flooding.

This extreme weather event reflects a growing trend of impactful rain events in the region. Prior to this situation, residents relied on weather alerts and community resources to stay informed. Emergency services are working diligently to address the immediate needs of those affected by the flooding, and residents are being reminded to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this time.

As Chattanooga continues to deal with these challenges, local officials are monitoring the situation closely to provide updates and assistance to the community. Residents are advised to stay informed of the latest weather conditions and follow guidance from emergency management officials.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates will likely be provided as needed as conditions evolve through the evening and into the following days.

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: Flooding Causes Problems & Evacuations
• Wikipedia: Chattanooga
• New York Times: Flooding in Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Google Search: Chattanooga flooding
• CNN: Chattanooga Rain Flood Video
• Google Scholar: Chattanooga floods
• WBIR: Heavy Rains Flooding Chattanooga
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in Tennessee
• Hindustan Times: Chattanooga Flooding Chaos
• Google News: Chattanooga floods

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