(Story Courtesy of WVLT News)
Cocke County, TN (WVLT) The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency said there were reports of flooding near the Walters Dam from the Pigeon River.
Director Joe Esway said he met with construction crews on Waterville Road who said seven pumps about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle were swept away and headed down the Pigeon River. The pumps were among several pieces of heavy equipment being used to work on the Walters Hydro Station near the Tennessee/North Carolina line.
Additionally, Esway said “large timbers” and other general construction materials were also swept away in the flooding.
Esway said everyone down river from Waterville Road should move a safe distance away from the water’s edge on the Pigeon River.
Esway added that the flooding had shut down Trail Hollow Road and the Lindsey Gap bridge because water had gone over the roadway.
Sunday afternoon, Esway said the dam, commonly known as the Waterville Dam, is releasing water due to heavy rains in North Carolina.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis told WVLT News vehicles were prepped earlier on Sunday and that Swift Water Rescue crews are on standby. He added that officials will know more about the situation after midnight.
Sunday evening, a spokesperson for Duke Energy sent WVLT News the following statement:
After Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy established a temporary barrier to isolate Walters Hydro Station from the Pigeon River to support our restoration work at the powerhouse. Today’s heavy rain did impact that temporary barrier. We are evaluating any potential damage or loss to our temporary restoration equipment and working to develop a recovery plan, if necessary.
We encourage all those that live near the river to pay close attention to changing weather conditions and take any necessary precautions. We are closely coordinating with our county emergency management partners. – Ben Williamson, Duke Energy spokesperson
Much of this area along the Pigeon River stretching from the dam into Newport was heavily affected by flooding from Hurricane Helene.
