KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — Strong overnight storms moved across East Tennessee, causing scattered power outages and prompting reports of flooding in several communities.
As of Wednesday morning, outage monitoring services showed hundreds of customers without electricity across portions of East Tennessee, including Knox, Sullivan, Loudon, Blount, Campbell, Hawkins, Jefferson and Union counties. Knox County was reporting more than 100 customers without power, while scattered outages were also reported in neighboring counties.
Utility crews worked through the morning to restore service to affected homes and businesses.
In addition to the outages, heavy rainfall led to reports of flooding in western Knoxville, Lenoir City and parts of Pigeon Forge. Weather reports indicated some roads were impacted by high water as multiple rounds of storms moved through the region overnight.
While East Tennessee did not experience the widespread outages reported in some Midwest and Ohio Valley states, the storms were part of a larger weather system that produced damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding across several states.
Emergency officials are urging motorists to use caution around flooded roadways and avoid driving through standing water.
Residents who encounter downed power lines are reminded to stay away from them and report outages directly to their utility provider.
Forecasters continue to monitor additional rain and thunderstorm chances that could affect the region through the week.
