Flooding continues in parts of West Tennessee

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Pickwick dam was a sight to see Monday afternoon as weekend rainfall has caused an overflow of water in the southeast portion of West Tennessee.

All the flood gates were open causing violent waves, a rare sight for people living in this area. The river has covered more of Coffee Landing Road, causing a lot more drivers to turn around. Some came out to see what was left of the roadway they are used to driving on even when it floods.

“I’ve lived here over 30 years and it rarely gets this high — very rare,” Hardin County resident Josh Steakley said. “I can usually drive my 4-wheel drive down this road through the backwater, and there’s just no way.”

Hardin County EMA Directo Melvin Martin said the water will rise two to three more feet but should return to normal by the end of the week.

“If water comes up another couple of feet, we’re just going to monitor it,” Martin said. “There’ll be a few more roads closed, but we will dry out and after Thursday it will start going down again.”

Although some have tried to drive through the floodwater, Hardin County officials haven’t had to rescue anyone.

“Most areas along the river, the people are prepared for it,” Martin said. “We haven’t had any rescue calls, but we’re waiting. We are ready. If somebody needs us, we’ll be ready to go.”

While residents say flooding is a common occurrence in this area, authorities want them to know that becoming stranded is a real possibility when driving through floodwaters. They want to remind drivers to not take the chance and instead to “turn around — don’t drown.”