Tennessee’s Recovery from Tropical Storm Helene
While Tropical Storm Helene was dropping historic amounts of rain over North Carolina, just over the border to the west, citizens of Tennessee watched their rivers rise to record-breaking levels and spill over their banks. After receiving approximately two months of rain over a period of three days, scores of Tennesseans were left homeless by the flooding that followed the unprecedented deluge.
Helene’s Impact on TN by the Numbers
10x average rainfall for late September
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French Broad River level: 23.34 feet (highest level since 1867)
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Pigeon River level: 28.9 feet (5 feet above previous record set in 1904)
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Douglas Dam hourly flow rate: 475,000 gallons per second (new record)
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Nolichucky Dam hourly flow rate: 1.3 million gallons per second (twice the flow of Niagara Falls)
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100,000+ citizens lost power
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$1.12 billion in estimated damages
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27 roadways were closed (including I-40 & I-26)
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14 bridges were significantly damaged (including collapse of Kisner Bridge over the Nolichucky River)
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10x average rainfall for late September * French Broad River level: 23.34 feet (highest level since 1867) * Pigeon River level: 28.9 feet (5 feet above previous record set in 1904) * Douglas Dam hourly flow rate: 475,000 gallons per second (new record) * Nolichucky Dam hourly flow rate: 1.3 million gallons per second (twice the flow of Niagara Falls) * 100,000+ citizens lost power * $1.12 billion in estimated damages * 27 roadways were closed (including I-40 & I-26) * 14 bridges were significantly damaged (including collapse of Kisner Bridge over the Nolichucky River) *
The impact of Helene on eastern Tennessee cannot be overstated, and in the aftermath of the disaster, SRP Partners played a key role in supporting the direct housing mission to assist thousands of citizens impacted by the storm. In concert with state and local representatives, federal agencies, and fellow disaster response firms, SRP Partners has played a critical role by:
Coordinating haul and install (H&I) efforts to establish temporary housing sites in 34 locations throughout eastern TN
Directing establishment of key infrastructure elements at each housing site to ensure residents have access to reliable electricity and clean water
Working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safe and efficient completion of each project despite significant transportation challenges in rural locations with severely damaged roads
