East Tennessee floods: Everything to know, from rescues to recovery to Helene resources
Knox News reporters and photographers scattered around rural parts of East Tennessee for weeks after Hurricane Helene brought dangerous, destructive flooding to the region. Our goal: To inform people in communities hit hardest about how the storm was able to cause such destruction, as well as how they can begin rebuilding and what outsiders should know about the unique devastation happening here, just about 60 miles away from Asheville, North Carolina.
The hard truth for many Tennesseans, especially those who lost a loved one or their home or livelihood during the floods, is that life might never feel normal again − at least, not for a long time.
Months later, our coverage continues, following how these communities and their residents are recovering and what the long-term implications of this catastrophic weather event will be for them - and for all of us.
Below, you'll find nearly every story published by Knox News related to Hurricane Helene, organized by the following categories:
Recovering homes, businesses
Impact Plastics and Riverview Industrial Park
Travel and roads
Government, TVA response and relief
How to help and what others are doing
Photos and video
Reopening Tennessee
Science of the storm and the floods
History and features
Debunking false claims
Essentials: water, power, internet and more
Early warnings
Recovering Tennessee homes, businesses | Hurricane Helene
It will be months before the Nolichucky is clean. Some river companies wonder if they can make it
Tennessee TikTok user collects 10,000 gifts for Appalachian kids: 'See a need and fill it'
Hurricane Helene pushed this family to the brink. With no jobs and no power, they feel lost
Jonesborough's Heritage Alliance is preserving memories by restoring flood-damaged items
After Hampton High was devastated by Helene floods, students head back to a different school
They lost their homes but are holding on to hope. Tennessee families look ahead after Helene
Tennessee farms planned for a busy fall tourism season. Hurricane Helene changed everything
Carter County, Tennessee, leaders vow to rebuild after Helene
Destroyed homes, soaked Bibles, stories of survival: Cocke County rebuilds amid Helene
Homeowners hurt by Helene floods can apply for low-interest federal loans
After second flood in their lifetime, Carter County residents face a choice: rebuild or leave
'Don't forget about us': This Tennessee town of 2,000 has been ravaged by flooding before
Most East Tennesseans don't have flood insurance. What other options exist post-Helene?
The Tennessee river that made their rafting business also destroyed it during Helene flood
U.S. Small Business Administration offers flood loans in Tennessee
Impact Plastics and Riverview Industrial Park | Hurricane Helene
His wife was washed away at Impact Plastics and life will never be the same
Former Impact Plastics worker finds work again as things begin to turn around in 2025
Hurricane Helene flooded parts of East Tennessee. What was the final death count?
Impact Plastics didn't allow cell phones in the plant. Did that factor into employees staying?
‘Come on, come on!’: Family recounts how they rescued workers in Helene floods
Body of final Impact Plastics employee missing in Helene floods has been found
She went missing in Helene floods, and East Tennessee authorities have ended the search
As Impact Plastics bosses fled flood, Johnny Peterson went in for coworkers, lawsuit says
Without flood insurance, factory down the road from Impact Plastics will struggle to reopen
How one minute could have meant life or death for Impact Plastics employees
Lawsuit: Minutes after emergency alert, Impact Plastics sent invite for afternoon meeting
The family of Johnny Peterson, an Impact Plastics worker who died in flooding, sues the company
Erwin community holds vigil to mourn dead and missing Impact Plastics employees
Factory employees clung desperately to a truck before Helene floodwaters swept them away
Family of Johnny Peterson, an Impact Plastics worker who died in flooding, sues the company
Father of Unicoi County football player among Impact Plastics employee deaths
Fifth employee of Impact Plastics killed in Erwin flood identified. One is still missing
Flood that ripped through Impact Plastics was so strong it destroyed river gauges
How two factories near Impact Plastics made sure their employees survived deadly flood
Labor and faith coalition demands stricter worker safety laws after Impact Plastics deaths
One way in, one way out: Was Erwin industrial park prepared to escape disaster?
TBI investigating Impact Plastics in Erwin after multiple employees died in flooding
Tennessee has not received a report that Impact Plastics employees died on the job. Why?
This long-haul trucker from Humble, Texas, became a hero amid floods in Erwin, Tennessee
Two more Impact Plastics employees found dead after floods devastate Erwin, Tennessee
What to know about Impact Plastics, the company whose employees died in Tennessee floods
Travel and roads in East Tennessee | Hurricane Helene
Another collapse on Interstate 40 at Tennessee-North Carolina border delays reopening
TDOT: Ask Congress for another $478 million so Tennessee's road projects aren't delayed
Collapsed by Helene, I-40 will reopen by pinning lanes against the side of mountains
Want roads fixed? Knox County has to compete as Tennessee prioritizes Helene rebuilding
I-40 rebuild offers rare opportunity to add wildlife crossings | Word from the Smokies
When will Interstate 40 reopen at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line? Maybe early 2025
Key section of I-26 reopens in Unicoi County with one lane in each direction
I-40 in Cocke County is reopened with 1 lane in each direction, but trucks aren't welcome
'Shocking devastation alongside incredible natural beauty': Pete Buttigieg brings good news on I-40
Two bridges destroyed by Nolichucky River flooding could be replaced by June
Between hurricanes Helene and Milton, will Florida fans make it to Neyland Stadium?
Blue Ridge Parkway to be closed indefinitely in North Carolina due to storm damage
Despite Google Maps notice, there is no date set for when I-40 will reopen
Expect much more traffic for up to a year on TN highways, even in spots undamaged by Helene
How can you get to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge while I-40, I-26 remain closed? Try these routes
I-26 between the state line and Erwin is reopening to local traffic
I-40 and I-26 aren't only major roads that need repairs after Helene
Interstate 26 will have 'lengthy closure' after bridge collapsed and debris is blocking it
Interstate 40 collapses at the Tennessee-North Carolina border near the Gorge
Part of I-40 in Tennessee could reopen in the next 2 weeks - but not into North Carolina
US 441 reopen for night traffic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with checkpoints
With I-40 closed and 5 bridges 'completely gone,' TDOT plans to begin work swiftly
With I-40 closed, try these alternate routes once it's safe to travel to North Carolina
Government, TVA response and relief | Hurricane Helene
State lifts water contact advisory in place since Hurricane Helene flooded East Tennessee
These salamanders could be Tennessee's newest endangered species. And Helene is to blame
With the Douglas Lake boom removed, state plans to test water after Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene completely changed the Nolichucky River. Here's why it will never be the same
How Cocke County officials expertly prepared for a disaster years before Helene hit
How Knoxville's Swift Water Rescue Team navigated some of Helene's most dangerous floods
Biden's $98 billion Helene aid request doesn't include enough for Tennessee, Harshbarger says
Helene railroad repairs in Tennessee lead to lawsuits against federal agencies
Let cleanup begin: How North Carolina's debris ended up in Douglas Lake during Helene
TVA employees, including executives, to get full payouts after year of record cold, floods
East Tennessee flooding could have been worse: How TVA says it prevented $406M in damage
Knox County flooding death linked to dialysis treatment cut short by outage, autopsy shows
TVA's Nolichucky Dam survived extreme flooding, but site will take years to restore
TBI no longer lists active missing person leads from Helene, but three have not been found
Helene floods force polling place changes in Tennessee. Here's where to vote
FEMA opens new disaster recovery centers in Greene and Hamblen counties: how they can help
Some residents of Helene-damaged counties can get an extra $500 to $1,000. Here’s how
How does FEMA get its funding for Tennessee flood relief? Will it run out of money?
How far Tennessee lagged behind neighboring states in requesting federal aid for Helene
How is the Tennessee National Guard helping after flooding in Unicoi, Erwin
In Helene's aftermath, here's how early voting and Election Day will change in East TN
Need financial help after Helene flooding? How individuals can apply for FEMA aid
President Joe Biden announces major disaster declaration for Tennessee amid Helene floods
SNAP benefits, hot meals, tax relief available in Helene-damaged counties. How to get help
TN Gov. Bill Lee doubles down on requests for federal assistance after Helene floods
TVA: Stay off Douglas Lake as floating boom deployed to contain hazardous Helene debris
How to help and what others are doing | Hurricane Helene
FEMA deadline to apply for Helene disaster unemployment assistance extended
Good neighbor from the North: Volunteer came from Canada to help after Carter County floods
Knoxville couple volunteer to help remote community after flooding from Hurricane Helene
CSX Santa Train makes special stop in Erwin to honor 'resilience and community spirit'
Anakeesta has $5 tickets available for a limited time and a good cause. See if you qualify
Helene benefit concert aims for 'Music and Hope' - and help rebuilding homes after floods
Bristol Motor Speedway shifts from accepting donations to distributing them after Nov. 1
Disaster recovery centers offer in-person chance for Tennesseans to receive FEMA support
Inside Bristol Motor Speedway as colossal icon becomes Helene flood relief command center
No more water or pet food, please. Here are Hurricane Helene donations needed now
As donation centers run out of room, Bristol Motor Speedway becomes central collection site
Boyd family gives $3.5M to Helene relief, including $1M each to three hard-hit counties
East Tennessee benefit concerts offer another way to help recovery from Helene floods
Dolly Parton partners with Walmart for massive donation to help Helene flood victims
East Tennessee native Morgan Wallen donates $500,000 for Hurricane Helene relief
How Dollywood is helping with Helene flood relief, with Dolly Parton leading the way
How residents of counties flooded by Helene can get in-person help with federal aid
Knoxville and Knox County send trained teams and resources to flood-ravaged counties
Morgan Wallen taps Theo Von, Tony Vitello for Helene relief in Knoxville
Tennessee Vols fans can buy 'Mountain Strong' merchandise to help Hurricane Helene victims
Want to help East Tennessee flood victims? 21 places to donate or provide supplies
What is Tennessee football helmet sticker? Vols raising awareness for Hurricane Helene
Where Helene flood victims can get food, supplies, meals from Salvation Army
Photos and video | Hurricane Helene
See new home revealed to Hurricane Helene flooding survivor in Newport | Video
Repairs have started on Spring Pearson's Hurricane Helene flood-damaged Del Rio home | Gallery
Del Rio resident talks about importance of FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program | Video
How churches are helping Kriston Hicks replace her home in Hampton after Helene | Video
New home revealed for Newport flood survivor Janet Sams | Gallery
Biltmore Village was devastated by Hurricane Helene. See what it looks like 11 weeks later | Gallery
USA Raft Adventure Resort looks ahead as future of Nolichucky remains unclear | Gallery
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis and the community's response in the aftermath of Helene | Video
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: A look back at the destruction 2 months after the storm | Gallery
See CSX Holiday Santa Train roll into Erwin after Hurricane Helene | Video
CSX Santa Train and Drew Holcomb bring holiday spirit to Erwin after Hurricane Helene | Gallery
Erwin family struggles to make ends meet after flooding | Video
Erwin family struggles to make ends meet after Helene flooding | Gallery
See drone photos of I-40 reconstruction after Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina | Gallery
Restoration around Nolichucky Dam continues after Hurricane Helene | Gallery
See Hampton High students arriving back to school in Carter County after Hurricane Helene | Video
Hampton High students return to school in temporary building after Hurricane Helene | Gallery
Foam Products Corporation uncertain it'll reopen after Helene's destruction | Video
Final videos taken by Johnny Peterson show severe flooding at Impact Plastics | Video
Visitation service for Hurricane Helene victim Johnny Peterson, who worked at Impact Plastics | Gallery
Drone footage shows devastation left by Tropical Storm Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway | Video
See what the flooded areas in East Tennessee look like now compared to the day of the flood | Gallery
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on reopening of I-40 | Video
See Bristol Motor Speedway as the command center for Hurricane Helene flooding relief | Gallery
See the operations at Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway | Video
National Guard assists with cleanup in Erwin, TN after Hurricane Helene | Gallery
Candlelight vigil for Hurricane Helene flood victims in Erwin, TN | Gallery
Dolly Parton, Walmart partner for massive donation to Helene flood victims | Gallery
East Tennesseans come together to make donations to Helene flood victims | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: Cleanup goes on a week after storm flooding | Gallery
Hurricane Helene: Our photos from Elizabethton, Hampton in Carter County | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: Our photos from Erwin in Unicoi County | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: Our photos from Greeneville, Greene County | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: Our photos from Newport, Cocke County | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East TN: See photos of the aftermath of the flooding, storm | Gallery
Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee: Videos of the storm aftermath | Playlist
Hurricane Helene in Knoxville: See photos of flooding, rain and storm damage | Gallery
Impact Plastics in Erwin was site of desperate fight against Helene flood | Gallery
Knoxville, Maryville and Oak Ridge communities support Hurricane Helene flood victims | Gallery
Knoxville's search and rescue team works in Limestone, Tennessee, after Helene | Gallery
See how Hurricane Helene flooding led to a rooftop rescue at Unicoi County Hospital | Gallery
Theo Von, Tony Vitello join Morgan Wallen for Helene donations at West Town Mall | Gallery
TVA deploys boom across Douglas Lake to stop debris from Hurricane Helene | Gallery
White water rafting businesses in Hartford, TN in jeopardy after Hurricane Helene | Gallery
Yassin Terou delivers supplies to East Tennesseans impacted by floods | Gallery
Reopening Tennessee | Hurricane Helene
Working on a project? How Helene flooding could cause construction backlogs in Knoxville
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Parts of it
While many schools in Helene flood zones have reopened, other ask for time, prayers and money
Tennessee college students affected by Helene don't have to drop out. What relief is there?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopens main road for snow and opens others after Helene
Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors centers are open. What's still closed there?
Helene caused ‘substantial damage’ in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Helene's catastrophic floods mean Tennessee has to rebuild its supply chain. Here's how
Ingles accepting debit, credit cards at Knoxville supermarkets again
Tennessee farms planned for a busy fall tourism season. Hurricane Helene changed everything
Was Pigeon Forge affected by Hurricane Helene? What about Gatlinburg? Here's what's open
Science of the storm (and flooding) | Hurricane Helene
How deadly was Helene in East Tennessee? By the numbers
How Helene's path created destruction in East Tennessee – and why reservoirs mattered
Free vaccines for what? Floodwaters can pose all kinds of dangers, Tennessee warns
Nolichucky Dam flow reached nearly twice Niagara Falls during Helene flooding, TDOT says
Rivers below Douglas, Watauga dams flood as TVA moves Helene water: 'Like the ocean'
Tennessee flooding map shows towns, dams and rivers impacted by Hurricane Helene
Tennessee River to stay brown through next week as Helene sediment flows by Knoxville
Tracking Hurricane Milton: How does it compare (and doesn't) to Hurricane Helene
Why Knoxville shouldn't worry about rising Tennessee River levels after Hurricane Helene
History and features | Hurricane Helene
Daylight saving time ends soon. Will that impact Tennessee's search and rescue missions?
How East Tennessee high school football teams are handling aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene isn't the first to deluge Knoxville. Take a look back at hurricanes past
Knoxville search and rescue team deploys to Helene floods: 'It's what we do in Tennessee'
Papermill Drive frequently floods when it rains. That problem won't be fixed anytime soon
See East Tennessee during and after the floods from Hurricane Helene
Tennessee River − still brown from Helene − brings Volunteers, Gators together at Vol Navy
Tennessee farms planned for a busy fall tourism season. Hurricane Helene changed everything
'We were on an island': First responders recount Unicoi County Hospital rescue mission
What are the worst floods to ever wash over Knoxville? From 1867 to 2019
Why do roads seem to flood around Knoxville whenever it rains?
Tennessee general store becomes post-Helene relief hub, a gauge for what work remains
Tennessee nurse and his dog die trying to save man from Hurricane Helene floods
Where is Erwin, TN? Hospital, manufacturing plant among sites devastated in fatal flood
Debunking false claims in Tennessee | Hurricane Helene
Did Tennessee lawmakers vote against funding FEMA? The claim lacks important context
Image showing Gatlinburg flooded debunked: Why the widely circulated image is not real
FEMA relief in East Tennessee: Will GoFundMe hurt my chances? And is $750 really it?
What Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge want visitors to know after Helene: We are open
Essentials: water, power, internet, more | Hurricane Helene
Flooded East Tennessee counties still grappling with closures and utility issues: Get updates
Crews have the people and equipment to restore power in Tennessee. What's taking so long?
Limited resources post-Helene? Survival tips and at-home hacks for Tennessee flood victims
Lost your license during Hurricane Helene floods? Tennessee is handing out duplicate IDs
No internet? How and where to connect to Elon Musk-owned Starlink in Tennessee
Prescriptions, dialysis, treatments: What to know about health care in the wake of Helene
Tennessee Helene victims: How to find natural disaster relief for bills, mortgage and more
What is Starlink? How Elon Musk's company is providing internet for Hurricane Helene victims
With temperatures dropping soon, what will happen to East Tennesseans still without power?
Early warnings, moments in East Tennessee | Hurricane Helene
Cocke County, Newport TN evacuated after Helene flooding
Hurricane Helene storms in Knoxville: How to prepare and stay safe
Hurricane Helene: When will it impact Knoxville, East Tennessee? How much rain to expect
In Newport flooding chaos, wrong info on a breached dam led to the right call
Sending emergency alerts is complicated. How to stay informed ahead of the next big flood
TVA: Douglas Dam sets water flow record to control Hurricane Helene floods
TVA said the Nolichucky Dam 'is stable and secure'
What is a tropical storm? What is a hurricane? And what is heading toward Knoxville?
Why did East Tennessee flood warnings seem too late during Hurricane Helene?
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: East TN flooding: Everything to know about storm, relief after Helene
