News Summary
Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency following significant flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall. The city received 6.42 inches of rain, making it the second-wettest day on record. Hamilton County Schools are closed as flooding impacts heighten, affecting multiple roads across the area. Residents are advised to stay cautious and heed flood warnings as authorities coordinate emergency responses to manage the situation and assist those in need.
Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency following severe flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall on Tuesday, August 12, 2023. The city received a remarkable 6.42 inches of rain, marking it as the second-wettest day on record. This amount of rain nearly doubled the typical precipitation expected for the entire month of August, leading to significant flooding and widespread road closures.
In response to the dangerous conditions, Hamilton County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, August 13. Initially announcing a two-hour delay for students, the decision was later reversed to prioritize safety as flooding impacts heightened. As the emergency unfolds, flood warnings remain active until later Tuesday night, with the National Weather Service (NWS) urging residents to exercise caution due to ongoing flash flooding risks.
Numerous roads throughout Chattanooga have been closed due to flooding, including East Brainerd Road at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road, where lanes were initially shut in both directions. Fortunately, trapped traffic on I-24 West has been cleared, and all lanes on I-24 East are now open. However, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office continues to advise residents to remain in safe locations and refrain from driving until conditions improve.
Residents are urged to heed the NWS’s warning regarding flooded roads, which states clearly: “turn around, don’t drown.” Reports from across the region indicate that multiple vehicles have become stranded in floodwaters, causing additional concerns and necessitating rescue operations. An open evacuation site has been set up at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center to assist those in need.
Flash Flood Warnings are in effect until 10:45 PM EDT, impacting Chattanooga and surrounding areas, including Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. The ongoing thunderstorms are expected to contribute to further heavy rainfall and flash flooding risks in the hours ahead.
To coordinate the emergency response, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is working closely with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office. This collaboration aims to ensure that resources are allocated effectively to mitigate damage and assist residents during this challenging situation.
The severe weather has raised alarms in the community, drawing attention to evacuation protocols and emergency planning. As the rainfall continues, residents are urged to stay informed and cautious, prioritizing safety above all else.
This extraordinary weather event has not only disrupted daily life but also raised concerns about infrastructure and emergency readiness in the region. Local authorities are closely monitoring conditions and are prepared to take necessary action should the situation worsen.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
