DEL RIO, Tenn. – Cleanup efforts are underway across Del Rio and other parts of Cocke County Sunday morning after torrential rainfall triggered dangerous flash flooding Saturday, leaving damaged homes, washed-out roads, power outages, and businesses facing a long recovery.
Despite the widespread destruction, officials report there were no fatalities or reported injuries, a result many credit to the quick response of emergency personnel and residents who heeded warnings as floodwaters rapidly rose.
According to emergency officials, some areas of Del Rio received between three and five inches of rain in about one hour, causing creeks and streams to overflow and sending fast-moving floodwaters through neighborhoods and across roadways. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning as conditions quickly deteriorated.
Del Rio Suffers the Greatest Damage
While flooding was reported in several areas of Cocke County, including Parrottsville, Bridgeport, and near Center View School, emergency officials say the most significant damage occurred in the Del Rio community.
Cocke County Emergency Management Director Keith Esway described the scene Saturday evening by saying, “The heart of Del Rio looks like a bomb was dropped on it.”
Homes along State Route 107 near Blue Mill Road sustained significant flood damage, while sections of Heartland Ridge Road, Fugate Road, and other local roads were heavily damaged or left impassable. Parts of SR-107 also suffered roadway failure as rushing water washed away asphalt.
Businesses Face Long Recovery
Several well-known local businesses were impacted by the flooding.
Del Pizza Rio also suffered damage after a private water line was broken during the flooding, complicating cleanup efforts.
Community members with plumbing experience have already begun discussing ways to assist affected businesses as recovery continues.
Swift Water Rescues Prevent Tragedy
The Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team, assisted by members of the Cocke County SWAT Team using the department’s MRAP rescue vehicle, safely rescued five people from three separate locations during the flooding.
Additional support came from neighboring agencies, including the Jefferson City Swift Water Rescue Team, which assisted emergency operations in Cocke County.
Community Comes Together
As floodwaters receded, local agencies, businesses, volunteers, and first responders quickly shifted from rescue efforts to recovery.
Crews from the Cocke County Highway Department, TDOT, and Newport Utilities began repairing roads, restoring power, and assessing damage throughout the affected areas.
Local businesses also stepped forward to support first responders and displaced residents by providing food and drinks at the Del Rio Volunteer Fire Department.
Officials praised the coordinated response from emergency personnel, utility workers, road crews, and volunteers who worked throughout the day under difficult conditions.
Recovery Will Take Time
Although rivers throughout Cocke County remained largely within their banks, emergency officials said rapidly rising creeks and streams caused the majority of Saturday’s damage.
Many roads remain damaged, and officials continue to urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel into affected areas while crews complete repairs.
Emergency management officials are also asking anyone wishing to visit Del Rio to remember that many residents are beginning the difficult task of cleaning up their homes and businesses.
Instead of simply coming to view the damage, residents are encouraged to consider bringing cleaning supplies, work gloves, trash bags, or volunteering their time to help neighbors recover.
Newport Journal Will Continue Coverage
Newport Journal will continue following recovery efforts in Del Rio and throughout Cocke County over the coming days.
If you have photos, videos, or information about cleanup efforts, damaged roads, or community assistance, please send them to Newport Journal through Facebook Messenger or our Submit a Tip page.
