Homes and roadways are flooded and communities are devastated as historic damage residents have never seen came through East Tennessee.
Daniel Shrader describes the Kinser Bridge on Highway 107 in Greene County. He took video when the rushing water caused the bridge to collapse into the Nolichucky River.
“We are talking catastrophic beyond what is normal,” said Shrader. “The people who live on the other side of this set of bridges are currently isolated from the world they are having a serious issue with medical supplies.”
Gov. Bill Lee got an upclose look at the damage.
TDOT said the impact to infrastructure in Carter, Washington, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke counties is unprecedented.
The damage will cause significant travel issues and long-term closures.
All roads in the Upper East are of the state are considered potentially dangerous.
“To get to any grocery store you went from 15 minutes to 45 minutes,” said Shrader.
Shrader is now preparing for the water to shut off in Greene County and communities are bracing for the long weeks ahead.