Duke Energy says the Walters Dam has not failed and the evacuation order remains in effect

COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency claims the Walters Dam, also known as Waterville Dam, has not failed. TEMA quotes the dam’s owner, Duke Energy.

It comes about an hour after Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said the dam had suffered a “catastrophic failure.”

“THE WATERVILLE DAM HAS HAD A CATASTROPHIC MISTAKE,” Mathis wrote on Facebook. “Evacuate entire downtown NEWPORT IMMEDIATELY.”

It is important to note that both Mathis and TEMA are adhering to the evacuation order.

Previous coverage: First Alert weather closes roads and schools in East Tennessee

The evacuation notice came as heavy rains caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused flooding throughout Cocke County, especially in areas near the Pigeon River and French Broad River.

According to the United States Geological Survey, both rivers are normally below five feet. At 9 p.m., the Pigeon River was at 27.33 feet. At 9:45 p.m., the French Broad River was at 7.31 feet.

Previous coverage: Scattered showers will continue this weekend with isolated gusty winds

WVLT News reached out to Duke Energy for an update:

Duke Energy currently has all gates open at the Waterville Dam and continues to flow water through the dam. Duke Energy can confirm that both the dam and our locks are performing as expected. Hurricane Helene has brought historic rainfall to much of the Carolinas over the past 48 hours. We urge people living along our lakes and rivers or in flood-prone areas to exercise caution, stay informed and follow guidance from state and provincial emergency officials. They should also pay attention to emergency notification messages on their cell phones.

As for the dam itself, the Army Corps of Engineers maintains an inventory of dams across the country.

The National Inventory of Dams lists Walters Dam as “high” in potential hazards.

It is the latest in a series of updates from Mathis on the emergency situation in Cocke County.

“All county and city emergency resources are currently fully engaged in water rescue and evacuation operations,” Mathis said earlier in the day Friday. “We are still several hours away from the expected high water mark. We thank all our first responders for their heroic efforts today and in the days ahead.”

The situation, not just in Cocke County, but throughout East Tennessee, prompted a response from Governor Bill Lee.

“As Tennessee continues to experience severe weather and flooding from Hurricane Helene, we are monitoring conditions and urging Tennesseans to follow local guidelines for important resources, safety information and community updates,” said Lee. “Maria and I continue to pray for all affected Tennesseans.”

On Friday afternoon, Cocke County Sheriff CJ Ball said there have been more than 50 rescue attempts in the county, with no fatalities. In addition, Ball said a fire truck, a rescue squad truck and seven cruisers carrying the sheriff’s office were lost in the flooding.

A shelter has also opened at the Newport Community Center (433 Prospect Ave.) for those living north of Wilton Springs. Liberty Church in Cosby was designated as an evacuation center for those south of Wilton Springs.

TEMA also provides a list of emergency shelters across the state. That’s available here.

Mathis also declared a state of emergency in Cocke County.

As for other dams in East Tennessee, out of an abundance of caution, the Tennessee Valley Authority has issued a condition yellow for the Nolichucky Dam in Greene County.

According to TVA, Condition Yellow means the dam is nearing the threshold to withstand excessive flood waters. However, officials emphasized that the dam structure has not failed.