Flood in Cocke County, Tennessee

The river gauge on the French Broad River at Newport exceeded the 16 foot moderate flood stage at 10:30 am EST on the 27th. At that stage, cabins along the river near Del Rio begin to take water. The river remained above moderate flood stage until 2:00 am EST on the 29th, cresting at 23.34 feet at 9:15 pm EST on the 27th, about a half foot below its record crest set in 1867. Flooding of roads and structures occurred. This river flows through less developed areas, and avoids the city of Newport. All told, Cocke County estimates $24.3 million in total county damages, which are included in the entry for the Pigeon River record flooding.

Tropical Storm Helene caps off a several day heavy rainfall event in association with a stalled closed upper low that drew a stream of tropical moisture into the area on the 25th and 26th. The arrival of Helene on the 27th yielded catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding, as well as significant wind damage as wet soils and strong wind gusts led to forest damage.