State officials revealed that the Nolichucky River in northeast Tennessee experienced an unprecedented surge during Hurricane Helene, causing devastating flooding in the region. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported that the river was flowing at a rate 162 times higher than normal in the storm's aftermath.
The impact of this extreme water level and flow was beyond anyone's expectations, leading to significant damage in the area. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed shock at the situation, emphasizing the severity of the flooding.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, three out of the five bridges destroyed during the storm were located on the Nolichucky River. State transportation department commissioner Butch Eley described the destruction in a news conference, highlighting the complete absence of these bridges due to the powerful force of the flooding.
The unprecedented nature of the flooding on the Nolichucky River serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating their impact. The community faces a long road to recovery as they work to rebuild and restore the affected areas in the aftermath of this historic event.
