DEL RIO, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT – Severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall Saturday morning caused widespread flooding, mudslides and property damage in the Del Rio community of Cocke County, prompting multiple rescue operations and leaving hundreds without power.
Cocke County Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Esway said emergency crews had been monitoring weather conditions overnight before a powerful downpour struck the area shortly before 8 a.m.
Anticipating potential flooding, Esway activated the county’s Emergency Operations Center and deployed the Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team. Rescue resources included a Humvee, a Zodiac rescue boat, a raft and additional tactical vehicles staged for emergency response.
Mudslides Block Roads and Damage Infrastructure
Officials reported approximately six mudslides and landslides across the Del Rio area.
One of the most significant slides occurred on Blue Mill Road, where an estimated 1,000 cubic yards of mud and debris covered portions of the roadway. Heartland Ridge Road was also heavily damaged after floodwaters washed out part of the road base.
Emergency officials advised residents needing to leave the area to use State Route 107, as some roads became difficult or impossible to navigate with standard vehicles.
Downed power lines complicated recovery efforts, with utility crews forced to address energized lines before debris removal and road clearing could continue. Nearly 300 utility customers remained without electricity Saturday afternoon.
Road crews and utility workers were redirected to Del Rio after earlier responding to flooding concerns in Edwina, Bridgeport and Parrottsville.
Swift Water Teams Conduct Multiple Rescues
The Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team responded to several calls throughout the morning, rescuing residents from flooded vehicles and homes threatened by rapidly rising water.
Esway said emergency crews also assisted evacuations involving family members and household pets while conducting welfare checks on elderly residents at the request of concerned relatives.
A firefighter was stationed near the Clear Creek subdivision in Parrottsville to monitor water levels and provide updates as conditions evolved. Emergency officials had prepared additional rescue resources in case rising waters cut off access to the neighborhood.
Despite the challenging conditions, officials reported no injuries to residents or emergency responders.
Creeks and Mountain Runoff Caused the Flooding
While major East Tennessee rivers remained below flood stage, smaller waterways created significant problems in Del Rio.
According to Esway, the flooding was driven primarily by mountain runoff and rapidly rising creeks rather than the Pigeon, French Broad or Nolichucky rivers.
“It’s the creeks and the streams and the roadways, the runoff from the mountains in Del Rio,” Esway said. “That’s what’s creating the mess.”
Other communities, including Hartford, Denton and Cosby, experienced rainfall and minor flooding but generated few emergency calls.
Campground Suffers Extensive Creek Damage
One of the hardest-hit properties was Ruby’s on the River, a campground, wedding venue and river access operation that recently opened in Del Rio.
Owner Colby Inman said a creek running through the property dramatically expanded during the flooding event.
According to Inman, a waterway normally measuring 10 to 12 feet across widened to approximately 35 feet, carving away sections of land and destroying recently completed restoration work.
Inman estimated that 15 to 20 feet of property was lost on both sides of the creek. Approximately 375 trees planted during a winter reforestation project are believed to have been washed away.
A trail camera positioned over the creek was destroyed after being struck by debris carried downstream.
Despite the extensive erosion damage, Inman said his camper, livestock and primary structures escaped damage.
Local Businesses Flooded
Several businesses in Del Rio also reported flood damage.
Del Pizzerio experienced flooding inside the restaurant, while the Fox Den restaurant also took on water during the storm.
Emergency management officials said damage assessment teams were expected to survey affected properties within the next 24 to 48 hours to determine the full extent of losses.
Officials Urge Preparedness
Although a flood warning issued for the area expired Saturday afternoon, Cocke County remained under a flood watch with additional showers and thunderstorms possible through the weekend.
Esway said most swift water rescue personnel were being released to rest and refit equipment, but a rapid-response team with a Humvee, raft and four operators would remain stationed in Del Rio in case further flooding develops.
Officials are encouraging residents to prepare for additional storms by securing outdoor items, keeping vehicles fueled, organizing emergency supplies and ensuring backup plans are in place in the event of extended power outages.
Recovery and damage assessment efforts are expected to continue throughout the coming days.
