News Summary
The Chattanooga area is experiencing unprecedented rainfall, reaching 11.55 inches, on track to exceed the 12-inch record set in 1929. The National Weather Service warns this contributes to half the average April precipitation. Governor Bill Lee has signed an executive order for disaster relief due to flooding, while concerns arise in Cocke County over dam failures. Heavy rain is expected to continue, raising risks of flooding and power outages as residents are urged to remain vigilant.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – The Chattanooga area experienced record-breaking rainfall that has surpassed a 25-year high as of Wednesday morning, with totals reaching 11.55 inches. This rainfall is on track to further increase, potentially exceeding the nearly century-old record of 12 inches set in 1929 by Saturday.
The National Weather Service has reported that the rainfall in the Chattanooga region has already contributed to more than half of the average precipitation total typically expected for the month of April. A slow-moving weather system has been responsible for the persistent rain, moving from West Tennessee to East Tennessee over several days.
As of Friday, a flood watch for Middle Tennessee was canceled as the dangerous threat posed by Tropical Storm Helene has ended. However, light to moderate scattered showers are still anticipated throughout the weekend.
In response to the severe weather and flooding resulting from Hurricane Helene, Governor Bill Lee has signed an executive order aiming to provide relief for affected individuals and communities. This order includes a request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for counties impacted by the flooding.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, Nashville International Airport recorded 4.40 inches of rainfall attributed to Helene, while parts of southeast Manchester saw the highest recorded rainfall totals at 4.72 inches. Emerging concerns in Cocke County prompted officials to advise residents of downtown Newport to evacuate due to the catastrophic failure of the Waterville Dam, as rising water levels in the Pigeon and French Broad rivers were linked to the rainfall from Helene.
Interstate 40 East in Cocke County was closed at exit 432 due to the heightened risk of high water. In addition, the Newport Community Center was opened as a shelter for evacuees.
Throughout Friday evening and into the weekend, heavy rain is expected to persist, with total expected rainfall amounting to between two to five inches across the region. Wind gusts on Friday evening could reach speeds of 20-40 mph, raising concerns for downed trees and power lines. The weather service indicated that the threat of thunderstorms and tornadoes remains low.
Traffic conditions in Nashville became challenging Friday morning due to wet roads, leading to numerous single-vehicle crashes. By 9:30 a.m., multiple accidents were reported on Briley Parkway, including one incident that resulted in critical injuries. Additionally, Nashville International Airport faced disruptions, with reports of 18 flight cancellations and 36 delays as of Friday morning.
A WeGo Star passenger train encountered a tree on the tracks, though no injuries were reported. Passengers were successfully taken by bus to complete their journey. Flood advisories have been issued for multiple counties in Middle Tennessee due to excessive rainfall, with flash flood emergencies declared in regions including Mountain City, Shouns, Erwin, Banner Hill, and Roan Mountain.
This week’s unprecedented rainfall may lead to continued scrutiny and concern as the community grapples with the effects of severe weather. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest weather developments as scattered showers are expected to continue through the weekend.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: May Rainfall Breaks 25-Year High Mark
- Wikipedia
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Area Gets Record-Setting Rainfall
- Google Search: Chattanooga weather April 2025
- USA Today: Hurricane Helene Flooding Risk Inland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Knox News: Rainfall in East Tennessee from Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Tennessee
