PARROTTSVILLE, Tenn. — A 64-year-old woman has died after being swept away by floodwaters during severe flash flooding in Cocke County Thursday morning.
Sheriff C.J. Ball says the woman was outside her vehicle at her home in the Parrottsville area when rapidly rising المياه overtook her.
“We did receive a call… she went in the water, and it swiftly took her away,” Ball said. “Rescue teams were able to recover her, but unfortunately we did lose a life.”
Heavy rain moved through the Bybee and Parrottsville areas early Thursday, quickly turning small creeks into fast-moving, dangerous currents.
First responders, including deputies, swift-water rescue teams and volunteer firefighters, carried out multiple rescues—some in chest-deep water—using boats and high-water vehicles.
Officials say most rescue operations were completed by Thursday afternoon.
The flooding caused significant damage across the area. Some residents reported vehicles being washed away and homes flooded within hours.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis says the flooding was caused by smaller creeks and tributaries swelling rapidly due to intense rainfall and runoff from the mountains.
“Everything else can be replaced, but people cannot,” Mathis said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure no more lives are lost.”
Authorities are continuing to urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through high water.
