Conditions Improving In Overton County

Sunshine has allowed the flooding situation to improve in Overton County.

Overton EMA Assistant Director Eric Stevens said water from Dillon Pond began dropping at a rate of one inch per hour Sunday.

“We are very thankful to have sunshine and we hope that continues for some time,” Stevens said. “Drainage is continually going down. We do have a new road closure. A portion of Highway 85 on Cub Mountain has been closed due to a slide.”

Residents should continue to use caution. Stevens said several roads remain hazardous and there’s still a risk for trees to fall over.

“If you are driving, try to give yourself extra time and use caution because you never know when trees and power lines will come down,” Stevens said.

Stevens also asks Highway 52 residents to be aware of emergency traffic in that area.

“Anyone near the Clay County side of Overton County needs to be cautious of any emergency traffic,” Stevens said. “With the Wolf Creek Dam release, we do have crews on standby ready to respond to assist them in case they need it.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing water from Wolf Creek Dam at historic rates Saturday. The increased flow is causing the Cumberland River to rise and putting several residential areas at risk in Clay County.

Overton County Executive Ben Danner issued a State of Emergency on Thursday after heavy rains caused Dillon Pond to flow across Highway 111 and 52.