Tragic incident: A fallen tree causes the deaths of two adults and a child in an area close to Chattanooga; authorities are still in search of a missing individual.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Cause State of Emergency in East Ridge, Tennessee
Hamilton County is currently grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that hit East Ridge and surrounding areas on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The heavy rainfall, which measured almost 7 inches, resulted in widespread flash flooding, causing significant disruption and tragedy.
Mayor Weston Wamp declared a state of emergency late Tuesday night in response to the flooding. The incident affected numerous roads across the county, with Interstate 24 and Brainerd Road among those closed due to flooding. Rescue teams, including local fire, police, and emergency management agencies, were mobilized to evacuate trapped residents using inflatable boats.
A tragic incident occurred when a large tree fell onto a car on South Moore Road, killing a family of three. Emergency officials are still searching for a man who was seen walking through floodwaters on East Brainerd Road on Tuesday night, and another individual who has not been seen since Tuesday night.
Rescue efforts continued throughout the night, with at least one storm shelter opened for displaced persons. By early morning of August 13, roads were reopened following rapid response efforts by TDOT and emergency services. However, the flooding was described as more extensive and widespread than typically seen in the region, causing significant disruption to travel and access.
The state of emergency remains in effect as of 9:30 Wednesday, with emergency responses ongoing. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, and the National Weather Service has issued flood watches for the region due to the continued heavy rain threat.
As the situation continues to develop, we will keep you updated with the latest news and information.
Additional Updates
- Hamilton County emergency officials and first responders are assessing damage in flood-affected areas of the county.
- More rain is in the forecast, adding to the flood threat.
- Emergency officials are trying to determine if anyone else needs immediate help in the flood-affected areas.
- A large tree fell on a car in East Ridge early Wednesday morning, further highlighting the ongoing danger posed by the storm.
General news reports of a large tree falling onto a car in East Ridge, further amplifying the danger posed by the storm. Rescue teams are still searching the flood-affected areas for missing individuals, as more car accidents are potential threats due to the continuous heavy rain and weather conditions, according to weather forecasting updates.
