**Flash Flood Warning Canceled for Cocke County Amid Hurricane Helene Flooding Concerns**

In a significant update, the National Weather Service (NWS) has announced the cancellation of the Flash Flood Warning originally issued for Cocke County. This warning was connected to a reported failure at Walters Dam in Waterville, North Carolina. Contrary to initial reports, the NWS confirmed that the Walters Dam no longer poses an imminent threat of failure. However, flooding along the Pigeon River persists, fueled by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Earlier in the day, Newport's downtown areas were evacuated as a precaution following alarming reports from Mayor Rob Mathis and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) about a catastrophic dam failure. The reports were later refuted by Duke Energy, assuring that the dam was intact. Despite this, concerns about flooding linked to Hurricane Helene remain, prompting continued evacuation orders.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed its Knoxville District Strike Team to assist with the evacuations and provide necessary aid wherever needed. Additionally, Mayor Mathis has declared a state of emergency for Cocke County via social media.

The NWS in Morristown has also issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Newport and Hartford until 9:30 p.m. EDT. Residents are advised to move to higher ground and avoid traversing floodwaters, underscoring the life-threatening potential of the situation.

The initial warnings prompted the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency to prepare for evacuations near the Pigeon and French Broad rivers. Mayor Mathis emphasized the urgency, advising immediate relocation for those in affected areas, with shelters set up at Newport Community Center and Team Farrell in Cosby.

Late Friday morning, parts of Hartford experienced partial submersion due to Pigeon River overflow. The Tennessee Department of Transportation even shared footage showing flooding near the Pigeon River Smokehouse off I-40. In Newport, the river's rising waters reached homes and businesses along Main Street and River Street, emphasizing the ongoing flood threat in the region.

Residents are encouraged to stay with friends or family if possible, but shelters remain available for those in need.