Chattanooga Reels from Deadly Flooding: Three Dead, Search Continues for Missing Man Amid Widespread Devastation
Chattanooga Reels from Deadly Flooding: Three Dead, Search Continues for Missing Man Amid Widespread Devastation
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is grappling with the aftermath of historic flooding that claimed the lives of a mother, father, and child and prompted dozens of water rescues. The tragedy unfolded early Wednesday when a large tree, destabilized by saturated ground, fell on their car in East Ridge, just after midnight.
As of Thursday, emergency crews continue to assess the full extent of the damage across the metropolitan area. A search operation is also ongoing for a man who went missing after attempting to walk through a flooded road on Tuesday night.
The region experienced rainfall totals exceeding half a foot in some areas by Wednesday, leading to widespread flash flooding. Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, and neighboring Catoosa County in Georgia reported over 100 evacuations and numerous rescues from homes and swamped vehicles. First responders used rafts to navigate waist-deep waters, rescuing stranded families. Schools in Hamilton County remained closed Wednesday as officials urged residents to exercise extreme caution.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday night. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for much of middle Tennessee through Wednesday night, warning of scattered flash flooding and the possibility of training storms over already saturated areas. While parts of Interstate 24 briefly closed due to flooding, they have since reopened. Sheriff Austin Garrett described the flooding as unprecedented in its widespread impact, making even emergency response challenging.
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