Chattanooga, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is experiencing severe flooding following heavy rainfall that led to 6.42 inches of rain on August 12, prompting a Local State of Emergency declaration by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. Residents are advised to prioritize safety, with major road closures and flash flood warnings in effect. Hamilton County Schools have closed for the day, and an evacuation site has been established for those displaced. Emergency management officials are working to assess the situation and provide necessary resources as ongoing thunderstorms threaten further flooding.
Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency Following Record-Breaking Flooding
Chattanooga is facing severe disruptions after heavy rainfall led to significant flooding across the city, prompting Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp to declare a Local State of Emergency. Residents are advised to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel as flash flood warnings remain in effect.
On August 12, Chattanooga experienced its second-wettest day on record, receiving 6.42 inches of rain. This amount of rainfall is nearly double the typical precipitation for the month of August, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this weather event. The National Weather Service (NWS) has communicated ongoing concerns regarding flash flooding and continues to monitor the situation closely.
As the flooding escalated, Hamilton County Schools initially announced a two-hour delay for classes scheduled on Wednesday, August 13, but later decided to close schools for the day in light of the dangerous conditions. The closures are a precautionary measure due to the hazardous road conditions and ongoing flooding.
Multiple roads throughout Chattanooga have been closed due to flooding, including key routes such as East Brainerd Road (SR 320) at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road. While traffic that was trapped on I-24 West has since been cleared, all lanes on I-24 East are now open. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to refrain from driving until conditions improve, as many roads remain dangerous and flooded.
The NWS has put a flash flood warning in effect until 10:45 PM EDT for Chattanooga and surrounding areas, including Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank. These warnings are attributed to the continued threat of thunderstorms, which exacerbate the precarious flooding circumstances. Residents have been advised to adhere to the safety mantra, “turn around, don’t drown,” when encountering flooded roads.
To accommodate residents displaced by the flooding, an evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center. Emergency management officials are coordinating efforts with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the Governor’s Office to assess the situation and provide necessary resources.
A photographic overview of the situation shows numerous vehicles stranded in floodwaters across Chattanooga, underscoring the risk that residents face. Mayor Wamp is actively involved in the emergency management response, prioritizing public safety and coordination of resources to mitigate the impact of this severe weather event.
Officials continue to monitor the forecasts as ongoing thunderstorms contribute to the already dangerous conditions. Residents are strongly encouraged to heed warnings and stay informed on updates as the situation evolves.
Weather and Flooding Summary
- Event: Record-breaking flooding
- Rainfall: 6.42 inches on August 12
- School Closures: Hamilton County Schools closed on August 13
- Local State of Emergency: Declared by Mayor Weston Wamp
- Evacuation Site: Chris Ramsey Brainerd Rec Center opened
- Road Closures: Major routes affected, including East Brainerd Road and I-24
- Ongoing Warnings: Flash Flood Warning until 10:45 PM EDT
FAQs
What caused the flooding in Chattanooga?
The flooding resulted from heavy rainfall, with Chattanooga receiving 6.42 inches of rain on August 12, nearly doubling its average August precipitation in a single day.
Is there a local state of emergency in Chattanooga?
Yes, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has declared a Local State of Emergency due to the severe flooding and road closures.
Are schools closed in Chattanooga?
Hamilton County Schools are closed on Wednesday, August 13, as a precaution due to the ongoing flooding conditions.
Where can residents go if they need to evacuate?
An evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center for residents needing assistance and shelter.
What should residents do if they encounter flooded roads?
Residents should adhere to the advice “turn around, don’t drown,” and avoid driving through flooded areas to ensure their safety.
Flooding Impact Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall Amount | 6.42 inches in a single day |
| Emergency Declaration | Local State of Emergency by Hamilton County Mayor |
| Road Closures | East Brainerd Road, I-24 at McBrien Road |
| School Status | Closed on August 13 |
| Evacuation Center | Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center |
| Warnings Issued | Flash Flood Warning until 10:45 PM EDT |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Flooding Causes Problems & Evacuations
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- New York Times: Flooding in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Google Search: Chattanooga flooding
- CNN: Chattanooga Rain Flood Video
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga floods
- WBIR: Heavy Rains Flooding Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in Tennessee
- Hindustan Times: Chattanooga Flooding Chaos
- Google News: Chattanooga floods
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