A tragic incident in Tennessee has left a mother, father, and child dead after a tree fell on their car during severe flooding. The accident happened in East Ridge just after midnight, triggered by soaked ground conditions, according to Amy Maxwell from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management.
As emergency teams respond to the aftermath, a search is underway for a man who disappeared while attempting to cross a flooded road in Chattanooga the night before. The full scale of the flooding damage is still unclear, though reports indicate that rainfall has exceeded six inches in some areas of the Chattanooga metropolitan region.
On Tuesday, rescuers responded to numerous calls for help as many individuals found themselves stranded in homes or vehicles. In Catoosa County, Georgia, which borders Tennessee, over 100 evacuations were conducted due to the severe weather.
Hamilton County officials shared videos on social media, showcasing brave first responders rescuing families from waist-deep water. Schools in the area were closed on Wednesday as precautionary measures.
The region is bracing for more rain. A local state of emergency has been declared by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch, predicting heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding throughout much of middle Tennessee.
Chattanooga Fire crews have been busy rescuing people trapped in vehicles and homes. Flooding forced parts of Interstate 24 to close, although it reopened as water levels receded. Sheriff Austin Garrett noted that this flooding is the worst he’s ever seen in terms of its widespread impact.
Historically, Chattanooga has faced significant flooding events, with substantial rainfall becoming more common due to climate change. Experts predict that such extreme weather patterns—characterized by heavy rainfall and rapid flooding—will continue to challenge communities across the South.
For residents, the best course of action is to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during these storms. Understanding the risks and preparing for potential evacuations can save lives.
For ongoing updates on weather conditions and safety alerts, check resources from the National Weather Service.
Source link
Weather Forecast, Tennessee, Flooding
