Doulgas Lake could rise by 20′ in just around 48 hours as the Tennessee Valley Authority mitigates river flows across the state in anticipation of heavy rains from Hurricane Helene.
TVA typically draws down their lakes and reservoirs after the Labor Day holiday. Douglas Lake catches the waters from the Nolichuckey, French Broad, and Pigeon Rivers. All of those are expected to see some of their highest levels in several decades.
As the rains from Helene are expected to fall all across Tennessee, TVA will begin holding back water throughout their system to avoid flooding.
The French Broad is expected to crest at 19′, which would be its second highest level. The Nolichuckey will be it’s fifth highest, and the Pigeon River is expected to crest at its third highest level since 1900.
