Dam upstream of Newport TN has failed: mayor ordering evac of downtown
At 330 PM EDT, dam operators reported the failure of Walters Dam
causing flash flooding downstream on the Pigeon River.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for towns and cities immediately
below Walters Dam on the Pigeon River. This is a PARTICULARLY
DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding from the failure of
Walters Dam.
SOURCE...Dam operator.
IMPACT...This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK
HIGHER GROUND NOW! IMMEDIATE EVACUATION for areas
downstream from the Walters Dam along the Pigeon
River.
* The nearest downstream town is Hartford Tennessee, located about
16 miles from the dam. If a complete failure of the dam occurs...
The flood wave will reach the state line near the Waterville Hydro
Station in about 20 minutes; Hartford, TN in about 30 minutes;
Interstate 40 and Greasy Cove Road bridge in about 45 minutes; The
flood wave will reach Interstate 40 and Wilton Springs road bridge
in about 1 hour; Highway 73 near Edwina in about 80 minutes; The
Highway 25 bridge east of Newport in about 2 hours; The flood wave
will reach downtown Newport and the North Street bridge in about 2
hours and 30 minutes; Newport Industrial Park in about 3 hours;
The flood wave will reach the confluence with the French Broad
River in about 4 hours and then drain into Douglas Reservoir.
Crests will occur at each location later than the initial arrival
time of the flood wave.
The flood wave is moving down the Pigeon River all the way down to
Newport Tennessee.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and
life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are
fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.
If you are in low lying areas below the Walters Dam you should move
to higher ground immediately.
Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life.