Dam Failure Threat Prompts Evacuations in Eastern Tennessee #

A dam in eastern Tennessee was at risk of imminent failure early Saturday, prompting authorities to urge immediate evacuation of downstream communities. The threat came after extreme rainfall caused water levels in the area to rise to record heights.

Officials warned that dam failure was imminent and flash flooding was likely to occur downstream. Residents in low-lying areas below the dam were instructed to move to higher ground immediately.

A spokesperson for the dam’s operator stated that a breach could occur at any time, potentially causing life-threatening flooding as far downstream as a nearby lake. Local law enforcement reported that there were cracks in the dam and evacuations were underway early Saturday.

Water levels on the nearby river rose 17 feet above pre-storm levels by Friday night. Authorities warned that a complete dam failure could cause a wave to reach bridges in as little as 20 minutes, with flood crests arriving at various locations shortly after.

In a separate incident, flash flooding concerns led to evacuation orders downstream from another dam in Tennessee on Friday. While initial warnings suggested a possible breach, later updates indicated that the dam had not failed.

The operator of the second dam reported that all floodgates were open and water was being passed through the structure after “unprecedented flooding.”

This situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.