**Nolichucky River Crisis: Dam Intact but Receding Water Levels and Evacuations Underway**

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has confirmed that the Nolichucky River has crested, and the Nolichucky Dam remains intact despite reaching record water levels from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Water is receding at an approximate rate of one foot per hour, and TVA Dam Safety teams are currently assessing the condition of the dam to determine the next steps.

Hurricane Helene's impact has caused water levels to soar to eight feet above the previous record elevation. In light of this, the National Weather Service (NWS) has adjusted its advisories, canceling the flash flood warning in Sevier County and extending warnings for Jefferson County and Sevier County until 10:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday. Additionally, a flash flood warning has been extended for Greene, Cocke, and Hamblen Counties until noon EDT on Saturday.

Reports of a dam break below the Nolichucky Dam emerged late Friday evening at approximately 11:35 p.m. EDT. The TVA responded by issuing a condition red warning about a potential imminent breach at the Greene County dam. As a precaution, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis announced evacuations for homes and businesses in the Centerview and Bybee areas. Emergency responders are going door-to-door to advise residents to relocate and seek shelter with family and friends while avoiding the affected areas.

TVA has warned that the breach could happen at any moment due to the extreme rainfall, posing a risk of life-threatening flooding as far downstream as the Douglas Reservoir. The local emergency management authorities are coordinating evacuations and urging residents to heed all warnings and stay updated with local EMA notices.

Severe flooding along the Nolichucky River has already caused substantial damage to roads and bridges in upper East Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has advised that all roads in the region should be regarded as potentially hazardous.