Tennesseans Caught Off Guard as Hurricane Helene Devastates Local Communities

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many communities in Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina are reeling from the unprecedented devastation brought by the storm’s relentless winds and torrential rains. What started as a hurricane hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast soon intensified, moving inland and triggering catastrophic flooding that has left towns in disarray. The remnants of Helene have disrupted the very fabric of daily life, leaving behind a trail of destruction that stretches from Carter County, Tennessee to the mountains of North Carolina. For those who call these regions home, the storm’s impact feels as though it has fractured their world.

Lives Upended by the Floodwaters

In East Tennessee, roads and bridges have been swept away, leaving entire communities isolated. Carter County, one of the hardest-hit areas, is grappling with widespread power outages, damaged infrastructure, and families still unaccounted for. Nearly 5,500 homes are without electricity, and with 14 bridges and 16 roads wiped out, many of the region’s most vulnerable residents are unreachable except by airdrops of food and supplies.

The heartache of displacement lingers as homes sit submerged, unrecognizable under the weight of the flooding. “We’ve lost everything,” one resident shared through tears, recounting how the waters engulfed her home in minutes. Those who have stayed to try and rebuild face unimaginable challenges including debris and muddy waters cover streets, rendering entire neighborhoods inaccessible.

Water Shortages and Health Concerns

As if the physical destruction weren’t enough, the region’s water systems have buckled under the pressure. Communities across Carter, Greene, and Johnson Counties are now struggling to maintain safe drinking water, with boil water advisories in effect. Greeneville’s water supply, critically low after the storm submerged its intake system, is expected to run out completely, leaving thousands of families without access to clean water for days. Water distribution pods have been set up, but for many, it feels like a desperate attempt to survive in a place they no longer recognize.

For others, the threat of waterborne diseases looms large. Floodwaters have seeped into homes and overwhelmed local wastewater treatment plants, including those in Cocke and Unicoi Counties. The thought of untreated sewage backing up into homes is terrifying for residents who are already grappling with the loss of everything they own.

The Missing, the Lost, and the Mourning

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching aftermath is the growing list of those still missing. As of the latest count, 73 people remain unaccounted for in Unicoi County alone. “It’s a nightmare that never ends,” shared one resident whose elderly mother remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters.

Authorities are working tirelessly to locate these missing individuals, but the emotional toll is staggering. The search continues amidst wreckage and debris, with the haunting discovery of a casket washed out of its burial place in Unicoi County serving as a sobering reminder of how even the deceased have been displaced.

In the town of Erwin, the death of Scotty, a beloved police dog, has further added to the community’s grief. The dog, known for his friendly disposition, was lost to the floods after disappearing in the Bumpass Cove area. The pain of his loss has touched many in the town, reflecting the widespread sense of sorrow and devastation.

Powerless and Cut Off

Power outages are widespread, leaving over 18,800 people across East Tennessee in darkness. In some counties, like Greene and Johnson, the situation is dire, with power expected to be out for several days or even weeks. The loss of electricity, coupled with the already fraying nerves of residents who have lived through days of fear, has left a deep sense of exhaustion and despair.

In Johnson County, more than 7,800 residents remain without water as crews work tirelessly to restore utilities. In Erwin, the damage to the wastewater treatment plant means there will be no clean water for the foreseeable future, adding to the layers of chaos that have taken over this small community. “Our power grid is secure, but we’ve got weeks of repairs ahead,” said Lee Brown, president of Erwin Utilities. His voice, steady but filled with the weight of responsibility, echoes the sentiment of many first responders who are exhausted but determined to help rebuild.

Small Signs of Hope Amidst Destruction

Despite the overwhelming tragedy, glimmers of hope have started to emerge. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and local emergency crews are working around the clock to bring relief. Volunteers have begun pouring into local shelters and community centers to help distribute bottled water, cleaning supplies, and food. In Elizabethton, the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation has been acting as a lifeline for displaced families, providing essentials for those who have nowhere else to turn. Those who want to volunteer can contact the Parks and Rec for more information at (423) 547-6441 or stop by to donate or volunteer at 300 W. Mill St. Elizabethton, TN 37643,

The people of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina are no strangers to hardship. Many have survived tornadoes, fires, and other disasters, but the aftermath of Hurricane Helene feels different, heavier, more suffocating. Yet, even in the face of such immense challenges, there is an undeniable resilience that is pushing people to keep moving forward.

A Community Bound by Tragedy

As the floodwaters slowly begin to recede, communities are left to assess the wreckage that has been left behind. Many roads remain impassable, making it nearly impossible for some residents to leave their homes or return to assess the damage. Entire towns, once bustling with life, now resemble ghost towns and silent but for the sound of distant sirens and the murmur of floodwaters still receding.

The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but as people sift through the wreckage, the bonds of community and compassion are growing stronger. In this devastating chapter of Northeast Tennessee’s history, one thing is clear: the people here are fighters, united by the pain they have endured but also by the hope that, together, they will rebuild.

For now, it’s about survival. But for the people of Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina, rebuilding is not just about structures; it’s about reclaiming their lives, their communities, and their sense of home. Hurricane Helene may have shattered the landscape, but it will not break the spirit of those determined to rise from its aftermath.

Tennessee National Guard Leading Rescue Efforts in Flooded Areas

The Tennessee National Guard has been a crucial part of the ongoing rescue operations in East Tennessee, providing round-the-clock support as communities face unprecedented flooding after Hurricane Helene. Working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Guardsmen from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion have conducted aerial rescues using Blackhawk helicopters, saving nearly 60 people, including hospital staff and patients at Unicoi County Hospital.

In addition to air rescues, ground teams, including swift water rescue experts from Smyrna’s 45th Civil Support Team and high-clearance vehicles from Johnson City’s 176th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, are assisting with water rescues in severely impacted areas like Carter County. The Guard remains on the frontlines, continuing rescue missions and delivering essential supplies as communities work to recover from the devastation.

Where to Find Help and Shelter in Northeast Tennessee

As communities across Northeast Tennessee grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, several shelters and aid distribution points have been set up to assist those displaced by the storm. Below is a list of available resources for residents in need of shelter, food, water, and other essential services.

Greene County

• Shelter: Asbury United Methodist Church, 201 South Main Street, Greeneville. Enter at the back of the church. Bring personal items and medications.
• Water Distribution: Available at Ernest Bridge, Chuckey Pike Bridge, and the Chuckey Utility District Office (20-gallon limit, bring containers).

Carter County / Elizabethton

• Shelters:
  • Elizabethton High School
  • Hampton Elementary
  • Cloudland High School
  • Unaka High School
  • Happy Valley High School
  • Any Carter County fire station
• Shower Facilities: TLC Community Center (trailer available) and Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department, offering food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Roan Mountain

• Shelter: Cloudland High School, 476 Cloudland Drive.

Washington County

• Shelters:
  • South Central Elementary School, 2955 TN-107, Chuckey
  • David Crockett High School (also a charging station, opens Sunday at 7 a.m.)
  • Flood relief station at 1790 Nolichucky Jack Way, Telford.

Unicoi County / Erwin

• Shelters:
  • Unicoi County High School
  • Faith Baptist Church, 2307 Temple Hill Road.

Johnson County / Mountain City

• Shelter: First Christian Church of Mountain City, 401 W. Main Street.

Hawkins County

• Shelter: Volunteer High School (charging station open until 7 p.m. Sunday).

Sullivan County

• Shower Facilities:
  • Kingsport Aquatic Center (Monday–Friday: 6 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.)
  • Greater Kingsport Family YMCA (Monday–Friday: 5 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m.–4 p.m.).

Second Harvest of Northeast Tennessee

Second Harvest is providing food and water to shelters across eight counties in the region. Residents can also reach out to local emergency management offices for additional aid information.

If you need assistance or to report missing loved ones, contact local emergency services or call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).