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By Buzz Trexler

Star Correspondent

With more than 5 inches of rain already reported by residents in and around the area, the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is advising residents of a warning signal that will be sent out in the event of a major flood.

Carter County 911 posted on its Facebook page early this morning that in the event of a flood in the Village of Roan Mountain, the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will sound a constant 90-second siren at Station 1 on U.S. 19E.

As the remnants of Hurricane Helene move through the region, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch that will remain in effect through Friday afternoon. Widespread showers and some embedded thunderstorms can be expected at times today into Friday as Helene approaches, according to the NWS, which said periods of torrential rainfall are expected during this time which may lead to flash flooding. The Friday forecast also calls for winds at 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph.

In January 1998, a powerful winter storm brought widespread flooding along the upper Doe River, killing seven people. The flood impacted Roan Mountain, Hampton, and Valley Forge, demolishing more than 200 mobile homes and 15 houses, while damaging 193 other houses or structures, and six businesses. According to the National Weather Service, a preliminary estimate of the loss was put at $20 million.

Six of the seven deaths were associated with vehicles attempting to make water crossings, the NWS said, reiterating the danger of driving across high water. The last fatality reported was an emergency rescue member whose boat capsized during a rescue attempt.

As of 11:30 a.m., the Doe River was not included in the flood warning alert issued by the National Weather Service in Morristown. The flash flood alert for Carter County was canceled just after noon Thursday, but an areal flood warning remained in effect for the county.

A flood warning for Nolichucky River at Embreeville has been issued, affecting Washington, Unicoi, and Greene counties.

The NWS alert indicated minor flooding from the Nolichucky is forecast at Embreeville from Friday morning to Saturday evening. At 10:15 a.m., the stage was at 8.9 feet and is expected to rise above flood stage – 12 feet – late Friday morning and crest at 15.5 feet early Saturday morning before falling below flood stage early that afternoon.

According to the NWS:

— at 9.5 feet, low spots along Little Germany Road will begin to flood;

— at 11 feet, the main camping level of the KOA Campground on state Route 107 is covered by water;

— at 11.5 feet, property at Bumpus Cove Road and Little Germany Road floods;

— at 12 feet, pasture land around the state Route 107 bridge floods as the channel narrows at the bridge just downstream of the gauge, which may elevate the river level at the gauge during higher flows to damming effect;

— at 13 feet, portions of A.J. Willis Road will flood;

— at 14 feet, backyards of riverside homes along Bumpus Cove Road take on substantial water;

— at 16 feet, water reaches the pad of the train car at KOA Campground.

The NWS urges motorists, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”