GRAINGER COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms moving across East Tennessee on Wednesday caused flooding in parts of Grainger County, forcing at least one family to evacuate their home.
Grainger County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeffrey Atkins confirmed flooding was reported in the Rutledge and Washburn areas as rounds of heavy rain moved through the region.
According to Atkins, floodwaters prompted the evacuation of one household on Mabe Lane in Rutledge Wednesday morning. A nearby residence also reported flooding concerns, but officials said evacuation was not necessary.
Grainger County Sheriff James Harville said residents displaced by flooding can seek assistance at the Grainger Baptist Association, located at 178 Cambridge Avenue in Rutledge.
Despite the flooding, Atkins said county roads have largely remained passable and that water issues were confined to locations that historically experience flooding during heavy rain events.
“Any flooding was in the usual areas,” Atkins said.
Officials reported no widespread road closures and no additional flooding reports elsewhere in the county. Atkins said the western portion of Grainger County had not experienced significant impacts as of Wednesday.
The flooding comes as severe weather continues to affect East Tennessee. A First Alert Weather Day was declared Wednesday due to persistent showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of East Tennessee through 8 p.m. Wednesday, while portions of the region are also under Flash Flood Warnings and Flood Advisories as conditions continue to evolve.
Emergency management officials are encouraging residents to remain weather aware, monitor forecasts and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Forecasters warn that additional rainfall could lead to new flooding issues in low-lying and flood-prone areas before the weather system moves out of the region.
