Key Point Summary – Deadly Flooding in Chattanooga

• Three dead after flash flooding in Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
• Victims include two adults and a child killed by a fallen tree.
• One man missing after being swept away on East Brainerd Road.
• Roads and highways temporarily shut down, including I-24.
• State of emergency declared as rescues unfold.
• National Weather Service warns of more heavy rain and flooding.
• Sheriff calls flooding the most widespread he’s ever seen.

Sudden Flood Nightmare

Chattanooga woke up to tragedy after torrential rain unleashed deadly flash flooding overnight. Officials confirmed three people were killed and another remains missing as floodwaters swallowed neighborhoods, highways, and cars.

Two adults and a child died in East Ridge when a massive tree, loosened by waterlogged soil, crashed down on their car. Crews described the scene as catastrophic.

Search Efforts Intensify For Missing Man

Authorities are desperately searching for a man last seen wading through chest-deep floodwaters on East Brainerd Road late Tuesday. He vanished before rescuers could reach him.

The Chattanooga Fire Department warned that conditions remain treacherous. “Do not underestimate the force of moving water,” they posted.

Chaos On The Roads

Rescue crews worked through the night to free people trapped in their homes and cars. Flash floods shut down parts of Interstate 24, leaving dozens stranded. By late Tuesday, traffic was moving again after water receded and vehicles were cleared.

Local roads weren’t so lucky. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office reported widespread closures, with some neighborhoods cut off entirely.

State Of Emergency Declared

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp signed a local state of emergency, giving first responders more resources to handle the disaster. “We’re urging everyone to avoid unnecessary travel,” he said.

Floodwaters swamped homes and businesses, and drone footage showed cars half-submerged in muddy water.

Relentless Rain Threatens More Flooding

The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for much of Middle Tennessee through Wednesday night. Forecasters warn of “tropical-like” downpours and training storms hammering the same areas again.

Those living near rivers or streams are being told to stay on high alert. Even small creeks could turn dangerous in minutes.

Sheriff: ‘Never Seen It This Widespread’

Sheriff Austin Garrett said the flooding covered more ground than any event in his career. “Usually, we deal with one problem area,” he said. “This time, it was everywhere. Even we had trouble getting to scenes.”

Residents described water rising so fast they barely had time to move their cars or gather belongings. One woman said she was rescued from her attic by boat as water lapped at the ceiling.

Community On Edge

As Chattanooga braces for another round of storms, emergency crews are reinforcing barricades and clearing drains. Volunteers are helping displaced families find shelter.

But the fear is palpable. “Every time it rains now, I’m watching the street,” one resident said. “I’m not sleeping tonight.”