THREE people have been killed in the Chattanooga floods as torrential rainfall prompted a state of emergency in the county.
Over six inches of rain unleashed flash floods across southeastern Tennessee on Tuesday, causing closures on a major interstate as emergency responders coordinated rescue efforts.
Two adults and a child were killed in the severe weather early on Wednesday morning, the Chattanooga Fire Department confirmed.
The floodwater broke a large tree that fell on a car, killing the three people inside.
The victims have yet to be identified, but officials confirmed the three killed were a mother, father, and child, according to the Associated Press.
Officials said the search is continuing for a man who went missing while walking through the flood waters and hasn’t been seen since.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday night and urged people to be careful.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly begged residents to stay home in the terrifying weather.
“Experts in emergency management are advising us to prepare for additional heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions today,” Kelly noted on Wednesday.
“For the safety of our first responders, I urge everyone to exercise caution when traveling today and, under no circumstances, attempt to drive through flooded streets.”
The rain continues to cause rising waters on roadways, as drainage systems were inundated by 6.41 inches of rain on Tuesday, marking the city’s second-wettest day on record, according to the National Weather Service.
CFD reported conducting dozens of water rescues, including helping people trapped in their homes and cars as water levels quickly rose.
Pictures and videos posted on social media by the CFD showed emergency crews getting people out of floating cars.
Several cars were seen floating, and a trailer truck appeared to be stuck in the muddy water near Interstate 24.
The massive highway reopened at around 10 pm on Tuesday night after the waters receded, CFD said.
A flood watch is in effect for Wednesday, the NWS said.
At least one storm shelter has been opened to help Chattanoogans who were forced out of their homes by the flooding.
