07/12/2026
7-11-2026 @ 9:45 pm
A post from Cocke County Emergency Management about flooding in Del Rio yesterday.
On an early post, I said about the forecast that I didn’t like what I was seeing but was not expecting a “Helene Level” event.
I was both right and wrong. The flooding today was not a county-wide event on a “Helene scale”, but for some of the people of Del Rio, the damage and impact was worse.
Folks, the heart of Del Rio looks like a bomb was dropped on it. Two of the arguably best and most beloved restaurants in the county sustained terrible damage. The homes on SR 107 near Blue Mill Road were hit very hard and the asphalt roadway is destroyed. Heartland Ridge Rd looks like the parts of I-40 that were sheered off, and multiple streets to include Fugate Rd. Are damaged or impassable.
The County Road Department, TDOT, Newport Utilities, and supporting elements mobilized in full force to begin repairs and restore power. These men and women in the field had such a phenomenal attitude it was almost like they didn’t understand the severity of the problem. They did. They just realized what needed to be done and the positive impact they were creating.
Your Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team, reinforced with Cocke County SWAT and their MRAP, executed the rescue of 5 citizens from three different locations.
Milanos, Fox and Hounds, and others sent food and drink to The Del Rio VFD to feed citizens and responders.
Del Rio VFD had their hands full today responding to citizen needs. Please remember to support theirs and all VFD fundraisers.
Operations Officer Shea Webb and River Safety Officer Justin Cowan ran the operations center with meticulous attention to detail.
Jefferson City SWR arrived and were sent to reinforce Parrottsville VFD.
We. (I) learn something new every time we go through something like this, and every time, those lessons are turned into an actionable planned response in the next event. These life altering events are not going to stop, but each time, we as a county are just a little more prepared, and a little more effective, and it’s the little bit extra that make us extra-ordinary.
There was no loss of life, no reported injuries, and no loss or damage to county assets.
Please do what you can to help the people of Del Rio in the coming days, weeks, and months. Whether in the short term of clean up and hugs, or the long term of supporting those businesses when they reopen their doors. Speaking of that, Del Pizza Rio has a broken water line that is on their property. If you are licensed to apply your expertise to help get their water restored and wound line to donate your time, please drop a note in the comments. They can’t really get things cleaned up without running water!
If you plan to drive into the heart of Del Rio because you want to see the damage, please remember those friends and neighbors are suffering. It’s natural to look but if you’re going to do that, consider bringing something to help them recover. Your time, your technical expertise, work gloves, cleaning supplies, trash bags.
We will be monitoring conditions throughout the night that may impact a very fragile landscape.
-Director Esway
