Weather officials: Get prepped for Hurricane Helene

Parts of Tennessee and Virginia were placed under a flash flood warning with heavy rains expected.

Forecast models estimate 1 to 2 inches of rain with a new weather system coming into the region Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from the National Weather Service in Morristown. Some of the locations listed by the agency that will likely see flood waters include: Central Hancock and Hawkins County, West Central Russell County, Central Scott County, and Southeastern Wise County.

NWS officials have also issued alerts of potential winds up to 40 miles per hour and an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain when precipitation from Hurricane Helene arrives late Thursday into Friday.

The American Red Cross urges residents to head to higher ground if flood conditions begin to form and keep up with possible changing conditions by monitoring alerts on the radio and online.

Other tips include:
– Use flashlights instead of candles
– Don’t drown, turn around. Do not drive into standing water due to the sudden nature of the water flowing and becoming stuck. Just 6 inches of water can knock you down.
– Watch out for fallen trees and other debris in roadways
– Get a supply of bottled water if local water systems become compromised due to flood waters

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(IMAGE: Casey Horner and Unsplash)