TDOT: I-26 closed in Unicoi County due to flooding

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Several state routes and an area of Interstate 26 in Northeast Tennessee are closed on Friday due to downed trees and flooding, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said I-26 is closed both ways around Exit 40. The interstate is closed eastbound at mile marker 37 and closed westbound at mile marker 43.

Approximately 12,000 vehicles per day use the I-26 bridges located at mile marker 39.6, according to Nagi.

Unicoi County Sheriff Mike Hensley told News Channel 11 that those bridges are considered a complete loss.

“It’s gone,” said Sheriff Hensley. “So we’re completely, at this moment, shut off from the south into Unicoi county. But I do have officers in the south of Unicoi County. So we’ll be working throughout the night, making sure everybody’s safe and make sure they’re accounted for. This is just the beginning. We’ll be working on that throughout tonight, tomorrow [and] probably next week.”

Sheriff Hensley said this is a historical flood for Unicoi County.

News Channel 11 has reached out to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) to obtain a count of any stranded motorists in the I-26 area of Unicoi County.

According to Nagi, the following state routes were closed:

Several local roads in various communities are also closed due to trees and flooding. Some communities have been ordered to evacuate, like Roan Mountain.

Drivers are asked to stay home unless absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads.

Thousands are without power across the Tri-Cities region as the winds and rain continue to knock down power lines.

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