Newport Rescue Squad Issues Warning About Area Rivers

As warmer weather arrives and people begin to want to get out on the water, the Newport Rescue Squad is warning that care needs to be taken on the area’s rivers. The Rescue Squad says they have responded to all three rivers many times and they have experienced the changes firsthand.

The Newport Rescue Squad says due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, the Pigeon River has changed course in some areas. There are new sandbars, plus eroded banks, and submerged debris in previously clear areas. The French Broad has developed more unpredictable currents and has fluctuating water levels especially after storms. The Nolichucky River has also been affected. There has been an increase in swift water movement where areas that once were calm are no longer that way.

So, what you knew about the area’s rivers has now changed. The Newport Rescue Squad says no matter what your activity on the water may be, you need to proceed with caution