Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 16, 2025
News Summary
A severe flooding incident in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a family of three. The intense rainfall, reaching 6.42 inches, has caused significant damage, leading to emergency declarations and ongoing rescue operations. Authorities are advising residents to report property damage as flash flood warnings remain in effect. As recovery efforts continue, one individual is still reported missing amidst the dangerous conditions.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Severe flooding in Chattanooga has led to the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a family of three, amid intense rainfall that has caused significant damage across the region. The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management confirmed that a family consisting of Tomas Vicente Lopez, 29, Giomara Epifania Vasquez, 27, and their three-year-old daughter, Emma Vicente, died when a tree fell on their vehicle in East Ridge on Wednesday morning.
The disastrous weather was triggered by nearly 6.42 inches of rainfall recorded at the Chattanooga Airport on Tuesday, marking the area’s second wettest day since 1879. In addition to the fatalities, authorities are searching for one man who was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters. First responders have faced difficulties conducting searches as dangerous conditions persist.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp declared a local state of emergency in response to the flash flooding. Flash flood warnings have been issued across various regions in Tennessee, including Chattanooga and Knoxville, as muddy floodwaters transformed highways into rivers. Portions of Interstate 24 were closed due to the floods, although some areas have since reopened as water levels have started to recede.
The Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have actively engaged in multiple rescues, assisting several stranded motorists and residents trapped within their homes. Among those rescued were six individuals who found themselves in a van nearly swept away by an overflowing creek.
Following exhaustive search efforts, authorities discovered the body of a man who had been missing, bringing the death toll in connection with the flooding to four. Authorities are urging residents in East Ridge to report any property damage to their insurance companies to explore potential recovery resources.
Residents remain on alert as a flood watch is still in effect for much of Tennessee and parts of eastern Kentucky, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall that could result in additional flash flooding. Officials are closely monitoring the weather patterns as they could further impact communities in the region.
Beyond Tennessee, officials in Juneau, Alaska, are monitoring a separate flooding risk due to a glacial outburst, highlighting the widespread effects of severe weather across the country.
Recent Weather and Flood Impact in Chattanooga
- Family Victims: Tomas Vicente Lopez (29), Giomara Epifania Vasquez (27), their daughter Emma Vicente (3).
- Tree Incident: Tree fell on family’s car in East Ridge.
- Total Rainfall: 6.42 inches recorded at Chattanooga Airport.
- Missing Person: One man missing; search ongoing.
- Emergency Declaration: Local state of emergency declared by Mayor Weston Wamp.
- Rescue Operations: Chattanooga Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office rescued stranded individuals.
- Death Toll: Increased to four fatalities, including a newly discovered body.
- Flood Warning: Flash flood warnings remain effective in Tennessee.
- Property Damage: Residents encouraged to report damages to insurance providers.
Next Steps for Residents
As authorities continue to assess the flooding’s impact, residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for further weather developments. Flood watches signal the possibility of additional rainfall that may lead to new flooding events, necessitating vigilance and readiness to evacuate if necessary.
FAQ
- What caused the recent flooding in Chattanooga?
- Severe thunderstorms brought nearly 6.42 inches of rain, resulting in significant flooding and damage across the area.
- How many fatalities were reported due to the flooding?
- Four fatalities have been confirmed, including a family of three that died when a tree fell on their car.
- Is there a missing person involved in this incident?
- Yes, one man is reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
- What actions are being taken to assist affected residents?
- Local authorities are conducting rescue operations and encouraging residents to report property damage to their insurance companies.
- Are there additional weather warnings currently in effect?
- Yes, a flood watch remains in effect for much of Tennessee and parts of eastern Kentucky due to possible further rainfall.
Key Features of the Flood Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall Amount | 6.42 inches at Chattanooga Airport |
| Victims | Four total, including three from one family |
| Missing Person | One reported missing |
| Emergency Reaction | Local state of emergency declared |
| Rescue Operations | Multiple rescues conducted by local authorities |
| Ongoing Warnings | Flash flood watch remains effective |
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Additional Resources
- NBC News: 3 Dead in Historic Rain and Flash Flooding in Tennessee
- Times Free Press: Two Adults and One Child Die in East Ridge After Tree Fell
- Weather.com: Deadly Flooding and Historic Rain in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- CBS News: Chattanooga Flooding Claims Lives of Family in Car
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google Search: Chattanooga Tennessee Flooding
- Google News: Chattanooga Tennessee Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
