A man was hit and killed by a train near E. Inskip Drive on Monday afternoon.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the area of E. Inskip Drive near Morton Place Way, where a man who has not yet been identified was struck by a Norfolk Southern train. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was reported that the train was traveling south when the operators spotted the man walking on the tracks. The operators reportedly blew the horn and initiated the brakes, but were unable to stop the train before striking the victim.
The body was transported to the Regional Forensic Center for further examination and identification.
The investigation into the death remains ongoing at this time.
Great Smoky National Park is receiving many questions regarding the status of the park and surrounding areas. We posted the below update on social media and the park website this evening (Monday 9/30/24) in response to these questions:
Wondering whether you should reschedule your trip to the Smokies due to impacts from Hurricane Helene? While parts of the national park are open, outdoor recreation is currently discouraged due to park staffing being stretched and visitor safety concerns. However, Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, is fully open to those who can access the county through safe routes. We are working hard to get all major park roads open to the public as soon as possible.
Hurricane Helene recovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The National Park Service (NPS) continues to assess conditions and to address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, park staff are prioritizing assessments of high use roads and trails as well as radio repeaters and historic structures throughout the park.
Several park roads, including Newfound Gap Road/US 441, remain closed. There are no current reopening estimates for closed roads. Visit the park websitehttps://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm for a map of what’s open and closed.
Park staff and resources are currently limited at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several park employees in both North Carolina and Tennessee are dealing with emergencies at home or are unable to drive to work due to closed roads. Multiple employees are also assisting the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding communities.
While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety. If visitors choose to visit, they are asked to recreate responsibly—know your limits, avoid water recreation and know that emergency response times may be delayed. Hiking and backcountry travel are not recommended due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions. Emergency services are currently stretched thin and have already responded to several incidents (many unrelated to the storm) in the last several days.
Visitors should also be mindful of closures and limited resources in some communities surrounding the park. Western North Carolina communities and Cocke County (Tennessee), in particular experienced significant flooding and have downed trees, damaged powerlines and limited resources. The North Carolina Department of Transportation advises that all travel in Western North Carolina should be for emergencies only. Surrounding communities may have limited resources (gas, food, water) available to visitors at this time.
What’s currently closed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads.
Big Creek area, campground and roads.
Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284).
Deep Creek (the creek itself) between Indian Creek Bridge and the park boundary closed to all water activity.
Deep Creek Campground.
Foothills Parkway East.
Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road).
Kuwohi Visitor Center.
Lakeview Drive.
Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Parson Branch Road (due to Flint Gap Fire impacts).
Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) More than a hundred people are still missing in two of the hardest-hit areas in East Tennessee after the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought massive flooding, damaging infrastructure and leaving people stranded.
Rescue crews, to include those from Knoxville and Knox County, are assisting the search efforts in Unicoi County, responding to the Erwin area, where more than 50 hospital workers and patients had to be rescued by air Friday after being stranded on top of Unicoi County Hospital.
The latest numbers show that 47 people are unaccounted for in Unicoi County, while 62 remain missing in Washington County.
It comes after the counties became two of the hardest-hit areas in East Tennessee after the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought massive flooding. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Cocke County, TN (WVLT) Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis provided an update on storm damage and deaths Sunday evening.
Mathis said the county has suffered two deaths in relation to the flood. Cocke County Sheriff CJ Ball later identified those two as Jean and Mike Obrist.
During the update, Mathis also said all missing people in Cocke County have been accounted for.
“That, in itself, is miraculous,” Mathis said about all missing people being accounted for. “That is a testimony to the hard work of our emergency responders who have rescued people by land, by water and by air. We’ve done everything we can to get to everybody. Everyone who was in need of rescue has been rescued.”
Mathis said multiple agencies are continuing to respond to calls of service as county residents recover from the flood.
“We are so grateful for everyone, both here in the county and all of the folks from outside agencies and people, pouring in support, food, help and rescue efforts to help our county. It’s been amazing,” Mathis said. “Seeing how everyone has pulled together is truly inspirational.”
In order to best serve specific needs, phone numbers have been set up for residents to call. Anyone with an emergency is asked to dial 911. To report missing persons, call 423-540-5551. To make a request for non-perishable food and water donations, call 423-540-0171. Cash donations can be made with Cocke County Partnership, Mathis said, adding that a phone number has not been setup yet.
“We’re here to help you. Just as we did not rest until every single person was rescued, we will still not rest until everyone gets what they need and this is resolved,” Mathis said.
There were also two other “weather-related” deaths in East Tennessee reported on Sunday out of Johnson and Unicoi counties.
A list of missing people is being compiled by TBI and TEMA, and an updated total of missing individuals is expected to be released later Sunday evening.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said multiple agencies are continuing to respond to calls of service as county residents recover from the flood. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Local emergency officials Sevier County are decreasing the amount of areas under evacuation orders due to flood waters from the French Broad, Pigeon and Nolichucky Rivers along with Douglas Lake.
In the latest update from Sevier County, emergency management officials have coordinated with TVA officials and advised the current release of water will remain the same for the next several days.
Some subdivisions and residences are still affected by flooding, and residents in Deerfield Mobile Home Park and Lazy River Lane are asked to continue following evacuation orders and refrain from returning to their homes until it is safe.
Open areas with restrictions include:
River Mist Lane (Deep River Drive, River Lane) River Dance Lane (Waterside) Newsome Road (Waterside) River Breeze Drive (Waterside)
Open and available to return areas include:
Binginham Island Luther Catlett Circle (Bottom) River Run Circle River Island Boulevard Tranquillity Lane/Gentlemans Way River Vista Circle River Bend Road Indian Warpath (Waterside) Twin Oaks Way Betsy Court (Off Hodges Ferry Road) Hodges Ferry Road Rays Gap Road
Sevier County EMA say to self-evacuate if you live in a low-lying area near the French Broad River and feel your home may be threatened.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s update regarding Hurricane Helene’s impact on Tennessee – Sunday evening September 29, 2024
Impacted counties do not have the capability to receive material donations or volunteers that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy; it hinders life safety operations in impacted counties.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee.
Water and wastewater infrastructure is impacted across the affected area.
FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.
FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for Hawkins and Washington counties.
Gov. Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency through Executive Order 105.
Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties have instructed residents in certain communities to evacuate.
Requests for assistance are being fulfilled through the State Emergency Operations Center, including private sector aide.
Emergency Services Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TN Department of Military, and more are monitoring and responding to the situation to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website https://smartway.tn.gov/.
CURRENT SITUATION
While local communities appreciate the volunteer spirit during disasters, please DO NOT send donations that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy to disaster areas – this will hinder response and recovery operations. A fund with the East Tennessee Foundationhttps://easttennesseefoundation.org/ has been established for monetary donations for impacted counties.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.
As floodwaters continue to recede, we are beginning to have a better understanding of impacted water and wastewater infrastructure and some plants have reported problems. If you are without water, please check with your water system for more information and recommended actions.
Due to the continued impacts, Gov. Bill Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency through Executive Order 105 to provide critical relief to survivors of the severe weather and flooding in Tennessee. FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance at 75 percent federal funding for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Johnson, and Unicoi counties.FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75 percent federal funding for Hawkins and Washington counties.
TEMA continues to deploy personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. TEMA recommends residents continue to tune into information provided by their local officials to remain safe.
POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES
As of September 29, at 1:00 p.m. CDT, there are approximately 18,800 reports of power outages statewide.
TVA continues to monitor water levels.
Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding impacts:
Cocke County, Newport Utilities Board
Hamblen County, Lowland Wastewater Treatment Plant
Johnson County, Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant
Unicoi County, Erwin Utilities Authority
As of 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sept. 29, six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues and four counties have issued Boil Water Advisories. If you have lost water or have a loss of water pressure, check with your water system for more information and recommended actions:
Reported Issues w/ Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County – Water System)
Carter County—Elizabeth Water Department
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Johnson County—Mountain City Water Department
Unicoi County—Erwin Utilities Authority
Reported Issues w/out Boil Water Advisory in Effect (County- Water System)
Carter County— Roan Mountain Utility District
Carter County—Hampton Utility District
Carter County—South Elizabethton Utility District
Cocke County—Newport Utilities Board
Greene County— Chuckey Utility District
Greene County—Cross Anchor Utility District
Greene County—Greenville Water and Light Commission
Greene County— Glen Hills Utility District
Greene County—Mosheim Utility District
Greene County—Old Knoxville Hwy Utility District
Johnson County— Brownlow Utility District
Johnson County—Carderview Utility District
Unicoi County— Erwin Utilities Authority
Washington County- Jonesborough Water Department
TBI
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1- 800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. As of Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received 337 calls seeking information about individuals in East Tennessee.
Authorities continue their efforts to locate the following number of people. With limited cell service and infrastructure challenges in the impacted areas, authorities believe many of these individuals are safe, but unable to presently identify themselves as such.
Washington County: 62
Johnson County: 4
Unicoi County: 47
Other Surrounding Counties: 40
SHELTERING LOCATIONS
Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross have opened storm shelters and overnight shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA’s websitehttps://www.tn.gov/tema.html.
THP
THP is providing assistance with traffic, welfare, searches, and other law enforcement responsibilities in response to flooding and damage in the affected counties.
THP is collaborating with TBI to assist with reunification.
North Carolina has closed I-40 West of Asheville at the state line.
I-26 at 40 mm is closed in Unicoi County due to flooding.
TDH
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two weather-related fatalities.
One in Johnson County
One in Unicoi County
Several county health departments have been closed due to impacts.
TDOT
TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions across the state and assist with flooding and debris removal.
The Chief of Police in Greeneville asking people to conserve water as the pumping station fails and very little is salvageable.
The Greeneville Water Commission says its intake structure was enveloped by the Nolichucky River Friday night after the Dam almost failed.
Saturday afternoon Officials say the pumps that feed the distribution system were turned off, meaning the water in the storage tanks is all that is left. Under normal conditions, this would be a 24-hour supply.
Officials are asking businesses like restaurants and non essential jobs to shut down. They are working with EMA and TEMA to set up water distribution centers.
There are four weather related deaths in Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helena.
At least 93 deaths have been reported across 6 states.
The confirmed deaths are out of Johnson and Unicoi counties. A list of missing people is being compiled by TBI and TEMA, at least 70 people are missing out of Unicoi County as of Sunday afternoon.
As a result of flooding from the Nolichucky River, rescuers found a casket floating through the debris and are working to identify the person.
Anyone unable to get in touch with a friend or loved one in the affected area is asked to call 423-560-0261. A donation collection center had been established at Southside FWB Church in Erwin.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation says 14 state bridges are closed, five of those are completely destroyed by recent storms caused by Helene.
The repair contracts to reconnect affected communities are underway, some will begin as early as tomorrow (Monday).
As water levels begin to fall additional issues are being found.
TEMA, National Guard and TDOT are all working together. 27 sections of roadways are affected.
TDOT Deputy Commissioner & Chief Engineer Will Reid says much of the work TDOT crews have focused on so far is recovery efforts and assisting local agencies.
Reid says TDOT has over 300 employees in the field across Region 1 to assess the damage and inspect bridges in preparation for repairs. He says TDOT has other Regions assisting in this recovery effort.
“Although we are getting some contracts ready for repair, we are still in the debris removal and assessment phase,” Reid said. “We have inspected over 100 bridges in the last 36 hours over seven counties. We still have hundreds to go. We are still working to assess the magnitude of this rainfall event,” Reid continued. “This event is in excess of a 500-year event, which what that means is we design our interstate bridges over hydraulic crossings for 100-year events. So, these are truly historic numbers we are seeing.”
They say 1.2 million gallons per second flowed over the Nolichucky Dam Friday, but thankfully the dam did not fail. To put that in perspective, there are 700 thousand gallons per second at Niagara Falls at it’s peak.
TDOT says they are concentrating their efforts on I-40 between mile marker 443 and 451 at the Tennessee North Carolina Line.
Also, I 26 between mile marker 40 and 43 and State route 81 in Unicoi County.
Photo courtesy of TDOT Cocke County
Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 04:42pm Courtesy of TDOT
Memphis, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Strike Force team and bridge inspection crews have been dispatched to East Tennessee to assist with recovery and repairs following historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
Region 4’s bridge inspection team is inspecting impacted bridges with high water, assessing the erosion of soil around its piers and abutments due to water flow. Scour can weaken the bridge’s structural integrity. Proper evaluation is critical for ensuring the bridge’s safety, and having the extra team members in place will allow the inspection teams to cover more ground, potentially opening any closed routes.
Our Strike Force team is a specialized group that can deploy quickly in a disaster with the equipment needed. This team is made up of emergency responders, engineers, and transportation experts who work to remove debris and ensure public safety. The goal of this team is to provide immediate relief and begin the recovery process in flood-affected communities.
While West Tennessee experienced localized flooding and downed trees, the damage in East Tennessee is vast. Damage statistics on state roadways as of midday Sunday, September 29 are as follows:
• 27 state roadway sections closed
• 14 state bridges closed
• Five state bridges destroyed
While there is no immediate timeframe for full repairs, TDOT’s current priority is ensuring public safety and reconnecting communities that have been severed due to damage. Photos for media of Region 4’s work in East Tennessee are below (please courtesy TDOT).
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.
We are collecting donations for those affected by flooding in East Tennessee with the help of Morristown’s Southern Freight Services, a tractor trailer will be at our station tomorrow (Monday) from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., they need toiletries, bottled water, and dry goods which will be distributed to those in need.
Meanwhile, they will also have a semi stationed at ProTeam Auctions in White Pine for those who are wanting to make donations, but live closer to that area.
Cumulus Media Knoxville is located at 4711 Old Kingston Pike in Knoxville, TN 37919. Some of our stations will be doing live broadcasts throughout the day. WOKI, Newstalk987, will be live from 6a – noon.
Thank you for listening and for anything you can do to help our neighbors affected by flooding caused by Helene.
