Official announcements from Cocke County or relevant authorities

Catastrophic Failure of Waterville Dam in Newport, Tennessee Prompts Immediate Evacuations Amid Flash Flood Emergency

Sep 27, 2024, 07:33 PM

The Waterville Dam in Newport, Tennessee has suffered a catastrophic failure, prompting immediate evacuation orders for all residents of downtown Newport. The announcement was made by Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, who emphasized the urgency of the situation. A flash flood emergency has also been declared, affecting both Newport and Hartford, Tennessee. Authorities are urging residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately to ensure their safety. The situation has been described as life-or-death, and a state of emergency has been declared.