Flood Waters Invade Cocke County

Flood waters invaded Cocke County overnight. In Hartford, the Pigeon River left its banks and flooded Hartford Road…waters so swift they even overturned a car. The waters have receded somewhat for now in that area. Overnight there were around 100 people that were evacuated out of their homes due to flooding concerns. County mayor Crystal Ottinger announcing a mandatory evacuation for homes on the Pigeon, French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers in the county. Some people have refused to leave their homes though. The French Broad was expected to crest this morning at 15 feet…well above flood stage…that tops a high crest mark in 2013 by almost 2 feet. The Pigeon River was over its banks in downtown Newport this morning claiming the Newport Riverwalk as a victim leaving it submerged. Temporary shelters have been set up at Bridgeport & Parrottsville schools, plus Cocke County High School and Cosby High School. Cocke County schools and Newport Grammar Schools all closed today because of the flooding. Western NC saw substantially more rain that we did here, but the water that falls in Haywood County NC eventually makes its way into Cocke County. Rivers are expected to crest today and fall back below flood levels by sometime on Thursday.