Grainger County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Heavy rain and thunderstorms moving across East Tennessee on Wednesday triggered flooding in parts of Grainger and Union counties, forcing evacuations and causing numerous road closures.
Grainger County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeffrey Atkins told WVLT News that flooding impacted areas around Rutledge and Washburn during the morning hours.
Emergency officials confirmed that one household on Mabe Lane in Rutledge was evacuated after floodwaters threatened the home. Another nearby residence also reported significant flooding but did not require evacuation.
Grainger County Sheriff James Harville said a total of nine people have been evacuated because of the flooding. Residents displaced by high water can seek assistance at the Grainger Baptist Association, located at 178 Cambridge Avenue in Rutledge.
As of late Wednesday morning, Grainger County E-911 reported flooding on several roads throughout the county, including:
- Highway 11W South at Red Barn Farms
- Cherry Street at Rutledge Pike
- Hodge Town Road at Helton
- Lakeshore Drive in several locations
- Helton Road (Impassable)
- Mabe Lane
- Rocky Creek Road
- Coffey Lane
- Cherry Street at Rocky Branch (Impassable)
- Washburn Road at M3 Station (Impassable)
Despite the reports of flooded roadways, Atkins said flooding remains largely confined to areas that traditionally experience high water during heavy rainfall events. He noted that roads across most of the county remain passable and that western Grainger County has not experienced flooding issues.
Flooding problems extended into neighboring Union County as rainfall continued across the region.
The City of Maynardville announced the temporary closure of City Hall and reported Johnson Road at Highway 33 was closed because of floodwaters.
According to Union County E-911, flooding affected the following roadways:
- Johnson Road
- Ailor Gap Road
- Butcher Lane
- Prospect Road
- Main Street
- Hinds Creek area
- Highway 61 West near Hinds Creek
- Shipley Ridge Road
- Old Highway 33
Officials continue to monitor conditions and are urging motorists to avoid flooded roadways and use caution during periods of heavy rainfall.
