News Summary
Knoxville is experiencing severe flash flooding due to heavy rainfall, leading to emergency responses from local authorities. The Knoxville Fire Department is responding to numerous reports of submerged vehicles, but all occupants are reported safe. Residents are advised to avoid flooded roadways and adhere to safety recommendations as thunderstorms continue to produce dangerous conditions. Several major routes are affected, with power outages reported in the region. Public safety remains a priority as officials monitor the situation closely.
Knoxville is currently facing severe weather conditions as flash flooding from a torrential downpour has prompted emergency responses and public safety warnings. Crews from the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) are actively responding to multiple reports of vehicles submerged in water along Ray Mears Boulevard, situated near West Town Mall in West Knoxville. Fortunately, all occupants of the vehicles are safe and have exited them without injury.
The heavy rainfall began impacting the area on Wednesday afternoon, leading to increased calls for caution against driving on flooded roadways. Residents are reminded to adhere to the safety phrase: “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded streets, a critical guideline to ensure personal safety.
Severe thunderstorms are producing dangerous conditions across Knox County, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning that is effective until 9 p.m., indicating that rainfall totals have already reached between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Additional rainfall amounts of up to 1 inch are expected, which could exacerbate the risk of flash flooding in already affected areas.
Flooding has been significant in various locations throughout Knoxville. The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) reported incidents of flooding across major routes, including Chapman Highway, Alcoa Highway, Kingston Pike, and Parkwest Boulevard. Many intersections in the city are also experiencing challenges, with non-functioning traffic signals due to the high winds associated with the storm.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s SmartWay map shows multiple areas of flooding on State Route 63 near the Claiborne-Hancock County line, as well as other routes experiencing washouts. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has also reported substantial flooding on Roberts Road and portions of State Highway 33 in Hancock County and is advising drivers to consider alternate routes to ensure their safety.
As a consequence of the inclement weather, power outages have been reported across various parts of Knoxville, and utility companies are engaged in restoration efforts to restore electricity to affected areas. Local officials continue to monitor the evolving weather conditions closely, with an ongoing emphasis on public safety and the importance of awareness in navigating hazardous situations.
Residents are urged to stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and to exercise extreme caution. Those living or traveling into flood-prone regions should take preventative measures and remain alert to changing weather conditions. Authorities are prioritizing safety and are prepared to respond as necessary to protect the community during this weather event.
As flash flooding remains ongoing or is expected to occur shortly, individuals residing in or near the warned areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and to adhere to all safety guidelines from local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Fire Crews Respond to Flooding
- Knox News: Flash Flood Warning Issued
- Hoodline: Knoxville Weather Advisory
- WATE: Roads Closed Due to Flooding
- Knox TN Today: The Great Flood of 2024
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Knoxville Weather Flood
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- Google News: Knoxville Flood
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox 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 Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
