SUMMARY: Rising river and lake levels in East Tennessee are causing concerns, according to TVA officials. While the Tennessee River levels are slightly elevated but manageable, other areas are experiencing significant increases due to recent rain. TVA is managing these levels by holding back water in tributaries and is now releasing it into the river to prevent overflow. Lakes such as Douglas, Watagua, Cherokee, and South Holston are rising above their normal summer pools and are expected to continue doing so throughout the weekend. Residents can monitor local water levels through the TVA app.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, they hold water back in their tributaries to keep it out of the main river during flooding.

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SUMMARY: Hurricane Helene, now downgraded to a tropical storm, made landfall in Florida and is creating severe weather across the Southeast, including tornadoes, heavy rain, and damaging winds. Significant damage has been reported in North Carolina, and two fatalities occurred in Georgia and Florida due to storm-related incidents. Over 1 million people are without power in Florida, with additional outages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Flash flooding has been reported in Atlanta, prompting evacuations, while Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has deployed 1,500 National Guard troops for assistance. Tornado watches remain in effect across parts of the region.

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SUMMARY: State and local leaders are considering a new site for a psychiatric hospital in East Tennessee, as an archeological review revealed that 73% of the current Chattanooga site contains historic artifacts and may have undiscovered human remains. Governor Bill Lee highlighted that this is the first such review since the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute’s establishment in 1961. Officials emphasize the urgent need for enhanced mental health services. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services plans to adapt its approach while maintaining existing services for the 52-county area. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp supports the search for a new location.

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