Hurricane Helene Recovery
Roadway Closures as of October 18, 2024. Click on the map for a higher resolution image.
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews are working to assess damage, inspect all state-owned bridges, and repair connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Tennessee on September 27, 2024. The counties with the most significant damage are Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke, but this has a major impact across East Tennessee. Long-term closures will be in place across the region as many routes will require significant repairs and for others, a total rebuild.
Interstate 26/40 Northern Detour
Interstate 26/40 Southern Detour
Detailed Route Closure Information
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to deploy personnel at the request of affected counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. For more on efforts and resources provided by TEMA, click here.
Traffic Impacts
Updates about bridge, lane, and road closures will be posted to this page. For the most up-to-date closure information, please visit TDOT SmartWay.
Affected Property Owners
If you own property along the highlighted State Routes impacted by Helene, TDOT needs to speak with you about right-of-way access during the rebuilding process. Property owners can contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) and following the voice prompts.
Hurricane Helene
Disaster Hotline: (423) 830-2696
The Disaster Hotline is operational from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday – Saturday and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. This hotline is available for community members, donors, and national/international organizations seeking information or requiring specific logistical considerations about disaster relief efforts.
Volunteer and Donation Information
Protective Actions and Key Messages
- If you are suffering a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
- Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
- Individuals may be eligible for FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance, an upfront, flexible payment of $750 to help cover essential items while survivors are assessed for Individual Assistance eligibility. For more information about Serious Needs Assistance, visit FEMA’s website.
- The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance. The hotline will be available until Oct. 25.
- The Disaster Hotline, (423) 830-2696, has been established to serve as a unified regional hotline.
- The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. You can find helpful tips on their website.
- Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
- Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
- Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
- Report down or cut power lines and stay clear of the area.
- If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI’s Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
- Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.
Information www.TN.Gov
