The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a critical warning regarding the Nolichucky Dam in Greene County, Tennessee, stating that a failure is imminent.

Residents living downstream are urged to evacuate immediately due to the potential for life-threatening flooding caused by extreme rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

As of 12:13 a.m. on Saturday, the TVA activated a Condition Red Warning, signaling that the dam could breach at any time.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Morristown confirmed that the imminent failure would significantly affect areas in north-central Cocke County, southwestern Greene County, and southeastern Hamblen County.

“If you are in low-lying areas below the Nolichucky Dam, you should move to higher ground immediately,” stated Elisabeth Thompson, a spokesperson for the TVA.

Reports indicate that water levels in the Nolichucky River are currently 17 feet above pre-storm levels.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department has observed visible cracks in the dam, raising concerns about its structural integrity.

If a total failure occurs, an initial flood wave could reach West Allens Bridge Road in just 20 minutes and the Highway 321 bridge within 30 minutes.

The NWS has issued a flash flood warning effective until 3:45 a.m. for parts of Greene, Cocke, and Hamblen counties, impacting nearly 6,000 residents, including two schools.

Evacuation orders have already been implemented in the area as authorities respond to the growing threat.

Additionally, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has raised concerns about the nearby Waterville Dam, although it has been confirmed that it has not failed.

Duke Energy, the operator of the Waterville Dam, has opened all floodgates to manage the unprecedented water levels in the region.