With forecasts that call for anywhere from 3-8″ of rain over the coming days, local emergency officials are keeping an eye on how the Nolichucky River will handle higher flow.
Ben Heath from the Tennessee Valley Authority said that all the lakes and reservoirs in the area are at their lowest winter elevations. Heath said the river normally flows at 2,000 cubic feet per second, and the upcoming rains are expected to increase the flow over five times that much. Still, Heath said, the river is not expected to get to flood stage or come out of its banks at this time.
With temporary pumps sitting at the river’s edge to supply Greene County with drinking water, the Greeneville Water Commission has prepared for the rising waters. Superintendent Laura White said that benchmarks have been made in the river bank where the temporary pumps are sitting, and the pumps can be moved to higher ground if the river starts to rise.
Local streams and other flood prone areas could also see standing water, especially the Lick Creek area. Motorists are advised not to ever drive across flooded roadways. Greene County Highway Superintendent Kevin Swatsell said his department is ready to respond to any problem areas with road closed signs, and urged motorists not to drive around them .
