Five rescued as flash floods trigger landslides and damage in Del Rio, Tennessee

Severe flash flooding caused by torrential thunderstorms impacted the Del Rio community in Cocke County, Tennessee, on July 11, triggering landslides, destroying sections of roadway, damaging homes, businesses, and a campground, and prompting swift-water rescuers to save five people trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters.

Emergency officials began monitoring weather conditions around 02:30 EDT after forecasts indicated an increasing flash flood threat. A Flood Watch was issued at approximately 05:00 EDT for the county.

The Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team was activated before the heaviest rainfall arrived, allowing specialized rescue assets to be positioned ahead of the emergency.

The heaviest rainfall struck Del Rio shortly before 08:00 EDT, sending mountain runoff surging into narrow valleys and small creeks. Unlike a major river flood, the event was driven by steep Appalachian terrain and rapidly responding tributaries, while the Pigeon, French Broad, and Nolichucky rivers remained below flood stage.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning at 8:28 EDT for Cocke County and parts of southwestern Greene County as thunderstorms produced 25–75 mm (1–3 inches) of rainfall, with additional heavy rain expected. Forecasters warned that excessive runoff would rapidly flood creeks, streams, roadways, and other low-lying areas.

Floodwaters triggered at least six landslides and debris flows across the Del Rio area, damaging or blocking numerous roads and isolating neighborhoods.

Among the hardest-hit properties were two of Del Rio’s best-known restaurants, Milanos and Fox and Hounds, which sustained significant flood damage. Ruby’s on the River Campground also suffered extensive impacts after floodwaters carved new channels through the property, inundated campsites, damaged vehicles, and deposited large amounts of debris.

Meanwhile, the Blue Mill Road was buried beneath an estimated 765 m³ (27 000 ft³) of mud and debris. State Route 107 near Blue Mill Road sustained extensive damage, with sections of the asphalt roadway destroyed. Heartland Ridge Road suffered severe washouts, and several other roads, including Fugate Road, were damaged or left impassable.

“I said about the forecast that I didn’t like what I was seeing, but was not expecting a ‘Helene Level’ event,” Cocke County Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Esway reported.

“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 were worse,” he added.

Emergency crews carried out swift-water rescues at three separate locations as floodwaters trapped residents and motorists. Esway said the Cocke County Swift Water Rescue Team, reinforced by the Cocke County SWAT team using a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, safely rescued five citizens during the operation.

Additional rescue resources included inflatable rescue rafts, a Zodiac rescue boat, and specialized rescue vehicles positioned before flooding began. Responders also conducted welfare checks on vulnerable residents and assisted evacuations where necessary.

Flooding disrupted utility services, leaving nearly 300 customers without electricity as downed power lines complicated cleanup operations. Esway said the Cocke County Road Department, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Newport Utilities, and supporting agencies mobilized immediately to restore road access and electrical service.

Recovery operations began soon after floodwaters receded as local agencies and volunteers started clearing debris, assessing damage, and assisting affected residents. Esway urged the public to support the Del Rio community in the weeks and months ahead through cleanup efforts, donations, and continued support for local businesses as they recover.

A Flash Flood Watch that was set to expire at 02:00 EDT on July 13 was extended till 20:00 EDT. No fatalities or injuries have been reported due to the incident.

Emergency officials said they would continue monitoring conditions overnight because the flood-damaged landscape remains fragile and additional rainfall could create renewed hazards.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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