SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency is conducting damage assessments after more than 400 people in the Greenbrier Campground were told to evacuate to higher ground due to flash flooding Tuesday night.
According to Sevier County officials, no one was hurt in the flooding and there are no reports of missing people.
More than 8.5 inches of rain fell between 8 and 10 p.m. Tuesday, causing flooding on the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River that washed several vehicles and debris downstream.
The county said 69 people took shelter at the Pittman Center Elementary School.
The EMA said Tuesday night there were reports of rapidly rising water due to heavy thunderstorms in the middle prong of the Little Pigeon River, near Pittman Center in southern Sevier County.
They urged drivers never to try to drive over water-covered roads if they had to leave home.
Dispatchers said several agencies were also responding to calls for a water rescue in the Greenbrier Campground area at around 10:45 p.m.
On Wednesday at 6:55 a.m., Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said crews will be conducting damage assessments and that motorists should watch for debris in the roadways within affected areas.
The Grassy Branch Road bridge spanning the Little Pigeon River is currently closed, Sevier County EMA said.
According to a release from Sevier County Assistant Mayor Perrin Anderson, The Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park received more than 8.5 inches of rain between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with debris and vehicles washing away downstream in the middle prong of the Little Pigeon River.
More than 400 people were evacuated from the Greenbrier Campground, and 69 took shelter at Pittman Center Elementary School, said Anderson.
According to Anderson, there are no reports of deaths, injuries or missing people. Emergency agencies from across Sevier County responded to assist, and damage assessment continues.
To report a vehicle in the river, call 865-453-3200.