Hurricane Helene triggers widespread flooding and damage in Carter County
Published 2:28 pm Friday, September 27, 2024
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Rotary Park in Elizabethton was underwater on Friday.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf On Friday, the raging water nearly reached the bottom of the Covered Bridge in Elizabethton.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf A downed tree across from the Carter County Courthouse knocked out power lines, causing outages.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf S. Riverside Drive was completely underwater.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf The old Carter County bus garage was underwater.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Highway 321 in Hampton was flooded and impassable.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf The Road Runner parking lot in Hampton was flooded.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Riverview Drive in Valley Forge was covered.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Riverbottom Road under the Valley Forge Bridge was completely covered.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Riverbottom Road was completely covered.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Flooding reached the Carter County Jail.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Doe River flooded over into Cat Island Park in Elizabethton.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Cat Island Park in Elizabethton was flooded.
Star Photo/Delaney Scalf Doe River nearly touched the bottom of E. Elk Avenue Bridge.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Carter County has been engulfed by severe flooding following heavy rains from Hurricane Helene, resulting in significant damage and power outages throughout the area. The storm, which hit the region on Friday, prompted the closure of local schools and led to numerous evacuations.
The fast-rising waters of Doe River swept away homes and vehicles, highlighting the storm’s intensity. In Elizabethton, entire local parks are submerged, impacting public spaces and community activities.
Critical transportation routes have been overwhelmed by floodwaters, including a portion of Broad Street and all four lanes of Highway 19E in Hampton. Jenkins Hollow Road, South Riverside Drive, and Riverbottom Road are among the many thoroughfares affected, disrupting travel and access throughout the county.
Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath, focusing on evacuating residents from high-risk areas and restoring essential services. The local community has been advised to adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities and avoid waterlogged roads during cleanup efforts.
