Chattanooga, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency due to severe flooding caused by record rainfall. Residents are urged to avoid travel, and schools will be closed for safety. The National Weather Service continues to issue warnings for ongoing flash floods, with significant impacts on local infrastructure and emergency management efforts underway.
Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency Following Record-Breaking Flooding
Chattanooga has declared a Local State of Emergency due to severe flooding resulting from unprecedented rainfall earlier this week. On August 12, the city recorded 6.42 inches of rain, marking its second-wettest day on record, which nearly doubled the average August precipitation for the region in just a single day.
In response to the hazardous conditions, Hamilton County Schools will close on Wednesday, August 13. Initially, the school district announced a two-hour delay but later opted for a complete shutdown due to ongoing flooding concerns. The closure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the dangerous weather conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings that remain in effect until late Tuesday night. Ongoing thunderstorms have compounded flooding risks across the area, prompting warnings of flash flooding and urging residents to exercise caution. Areas facing potential flash flooding include Chattanooga, Ridgeside, Harrison, South Cleveland, and Red Bank.
Road Closures and Traffic Impacts
Significant road closures have been reported due to the flooding. East Brainerd Road (SR 320) at Gunbarrel Road and I-24 at McBrien Road were initially closed in both directions. Although trapped traffic on I-24 West has since been cleared, all lanes on I-24 East have reopened.
Residents are being cautioned against unnecessary travel, with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office advising people to remain in safe locations. The NWS has stressed the dangers of flooded roads and emphasized the message to “turn around, don’t drown.” Reports of vehicles stranded in floodwaters have been documented in various areas of the city.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is actively coordinating efforts with the Director of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and the Governor’s Office to address the ongoing emergency. An open evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center for residents needing assistance.
With thunderstorms continuing to pose a threat, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories during this weather emergency.
Summary
The flooding in Chattanooga presents significant safety concerns, with major impacts on local infrastructure and the education system. As the situation develops, authorities recommend that residents keep an eye on live updates concerning both flood conditions and school schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Hamilton County Schools closed?
Hamilton County Schools closed due to severe flooding and safety concerns after heavy rainfall resulted in dangerous conditions for students and staff.
What should residents do during the flood?
Residents are advised to avoid driving, stay indoors, and follow emergency messages from local authorities, including the National Weather Service.
Where can residents go for assistance during the emergency?
An evacuation site has been established at the Chris Ramsey Brainerd Recreation Center where residents can seek assistance.
Chart of Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Record Rainfall | 6.42 inches on August 12 |
| School Closures | Hamilton County Schools closed on August 13 |
| Evacuation Site | Chris Ramsey Brainerd Rec Center |
| Current Warnings | Flash Flood Warning in effect until 10:45 PM EDT |
| Road Closures | East Brainerd Road at Gunbarrel Road, I-24 at McBrien Road |
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
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
