CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Governor Bill Lee and area officials have started speaking with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) about damage sustained across Tennessee from this weekend’s heavy rain.
Lee toured some of the flooded neighborhoods in Montgomery and Obion Counties, including Elberta Drive in Clarksville where several homes were damaged. The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) also said about 75 units at the Concord Apartments had been impacted.
“It’s difficult anytime you see someone’s home that’s got water in it, and you know that’s a hardship for that homeowner and for that family and there’s a lot of families just like them,” :ee told reporters Wednesday. “It’s hard to see, but it inspires you to work to make sure people are safe.”
According to the Montgomery County EMA, Cooper Creek Road crumbled and has damaged water lines. Lock B North Road also crumbled; Highway 12 experienced damage near the Fredonia Market.
The state’s focus will be on assessing damage. When asked about whether he would personally make an emergency declaration, Lee said area agencies have already been making strides.
“We only make emergency declarations when an emergency rises to the level and there’s enough damage that warrants that,” Lee said. “There are things that we obviously do even short of that and that’s what local officials are doing right now.”
Lee added he’s grateful that people, with the help of first responders, made it out safely.
For people who need immediate assistance, the City of Clarksville has launched a new website. You can follow this link to learn more.
TEMA director Patrick Sheehan advised flood victims in Clarksville to contact insurance adjusters for those who have flood insurance. Additionally, Sheehan recommended documenting damage before snow arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
