Cocke County expecting evacuations after flooding [Video]

COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency said evacuations are expected for those near the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. 

A shelter is open at the Newport Community Center at 433 Prospect Avenue.

The EMA said the best option for those who have to evacuate is to stay with friends or family in the area, but the shelter is available if needed. 

Even though Tropical Storm Helene is moving out of the area, severe river flooding levels will increase into Saturday because of the catastrophic flooding happening in North Carolina that will flow down into the French Broad and Pigeon rivers.

The Pigeon River in Cocke County has reached a major flood stage and is at 16 feet as of 10:54 a.m. It’s risen four feet in …