Floods Devastate Tennessee Valley as Tropical Storm Helene Strikes; TVA Averts $406 Million in Damages

Flood Impact of Tropical Storm Helene in Tennessee Valley

Greene County, TN – The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene continues to ripple through communities in northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina, as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) shared vital data reflecting the storm’s devastating impact. Rain poured down beginning Friday, September 27, and left catastrophic flood damage in its wake, particularly in areas where TVA’s typical flood control measures fell short.

While our hearts go out to those affected, it’s essential to recognize the heroic efforts of TVA’s team during this trying time. When that floodwater began lapping into the Tennessee River watershed, TVA engineers and their impressive network of dams were already on the frontlines, taking action to protect those downstream.

Keeping the Waters at Bay

According to TVA’s recent reports, their flood mitigation strategies prevented approximately $406 million in potential damages—a staggering figure that speaks to the importance of their work. Just imagine this: TVA’s dams stored a whopping 404 billion gallons of water, enough to fill 612,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! In just three days, the Tennessee River watershed experienced two months’ worth of average rainfall—the kind of data that makes you shake your head in disbelief.

Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison expressed his gratitude for TVA’s timely help during this crisis. “TVA’s timely, accurate, and wise forecasting and professional advice saved lives,” he stated. He further praised the agency for standing alongside the community through the phases of disaster, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

TVA’s Historic Role in Flood Control

Flood control along the Tennessee River has been a core mission of TVA since its inception over 91 years ago. Their state-of-the-art River Forecast Center utilizes rainfall and stream flow data from across the valley to make critical decisions aimed at minimizing flood impacts, operating 24/7 all year round.

TVA uses advanced computer modeling to analyze what potential flooding could have looked like without their intervention. As a result, the recent storm’s findings indicate that TVA’s preventive measures averted substantial damages in various towns. Here are some of the figures:

• Elizabethton: $5,100,000
• Chattanooga: $166,000,000
• Clinton: $2,600,000
• Lenoir City: $136,000,000
• Kingsport: $75,200,000
• South Pittsburg: $1,200,000

All of this amounts to over $10 billion in potential flood damage averted since TVA’s establishment in 1933—a mind-boggling statistic that underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to the safety of the communities they serve.

Historic Flood Levels Recorded

James Everett, TVA’s general manager of river management. “This was some of the highest flood levels we’ve ever seen in the Tennessee Valley.”

Take, for instance, the Watauga River at Elizabethton, which peaked at over 5 feet above flood stage—the highest flood level recorded there since 1940. Similarly, TVA’s Watauga Dam hit an elevation of 1,970.29 feet, breaking a record by about three feet. The Doe River at Elizabethton also saw significant flooding, reaching 10.78 feet with conditions nearly three feet over flood stage.

Supporting Recovery Efforts

In the wake of the storm, TVA continues to support communities and local power companies in recovery efforts. Lee Brown, the President & CEO of Erwin Utilities, shared how TVA was among the first to respond, providing essential support and assistance right when it was needed the most.

This partnership exemplifies the essential benefits provided by public power, especially in times of crisis. The collaboration and swift actions taken by TVA, paired with local utility companies, are vital as these communities strive to recover from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

As the Tennessee Valley picks up the pieces and begins to heal, one thing is clear: the tireless efforts of organizations like TVA make a world of difference in protecting lives and livelihoods.