KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Tennessee emergency officials say more than 100 people and 25 dogs were rescued after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across the Copper Basin region of Southeast Tennessee and neighboring North Georgia.
According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the latest rescue count exceeds 100 people, a significant increase from earlier reports as crews continued responding to flooded homes, stranded motorists and rising waters.
The rescue effort involved 65 personnel from 18 departments participating through the Tennessee Fire Mutual Aid system. Rescue teams conducted operations across both Tennessee and Georgia as floodwaters inundated portions of the region.
The flooding prompted Polk County officials to declare a state of emergency Thursday. TEMA’s State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at Level 4 as recovery efforts continue.
While Tennessee Fire Mutual Aid crews were demobilized on Nov. 5, local, state and federal partners continue assessing damage and assisting residents affected by the flooding.
Copperhill Evacuation Lifted, Residents Urged to Use Caution
Officials have lifted the evacuation order for Copperhill, but residents are being asked to stay out of the city unless they are designated workers, emergency personnel or involved in recovery efforts.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has also issued a precautionary advisory recommending people avoid contact with surface water throughout the Ocoee watershed. Officials stressed the advisory is precautionary and not based on specific water quality testing results.
Anyone who comes into contact with floodwaters should wash thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as possible.
Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect
Copperhill Utilities continues to operate under a boil water advisory following the flooding.
Residents are encouraged to boil water before consumption and conserve water whenever possible. Bottled drinking water is available at Copperhill City Hall and Luttrell’s Hardware.
Highway Closures Continue
Travel disruptions remain a concern in the region.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation said State Route 68 has been closed again because of road closures affecting connecting routes in Georgia. Motorists are being directed to use U.S. 411 as an alternate route.
Officials are urging travelers to check road conditions before departing and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
Community Assistance and Cleanup Efforts Underway
TEMA advises residents to document all damage with photographs before beginning cleanup efforts and to ensure damaged structures are safe before entering them.
Community leaders in Polk County are asking supporters to limit donations to bottled water and monetary contributions. Water donations can be delivered to Luttrell’s Hardware on Ocoee Street in Copperhill.
Residents interested in volunteering with cleanup operations can register at Luttrell’s Hardware, where they will receive assignments and safety instructions.
Officials continue to remind the public that floodwaters can remain dangerous even after the rain has stopped and urge anyone facing an immediate emergency to call 911.
