Adam Lewis - Bradley County Government

10/08/2026

HURRICANE ISAIAS: THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE

The latest information we have shows increasing confidence that the remnants of Hurricane Isaias will bring heavy rain and strong winds to Southeast Tennessee this weekend. There are some significant changes from yesterday’s forecast, particularly concerning wind speeds.

Here’s what we’re expecting:

RAIN: Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is expected Saturday into Saturday night. Rain should begin Saturday morning across the southern Tennessee Valley and spread north during the afternoon.

Rainfall totals of 1–2 inches are expected across much of the southern Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau, with locally higher amounts possible. The current forecast calls for approximately 2.1 inches in Chattanooga.

A Flood Watch is now in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning for portions of far Southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina. Isolated flash flooding will be possible, particularly in areas that receive heavier rainfall.

WIND: This is the part of the forecast that has changed most significantly.

Wind gusts of 60–80 mph are now possible across the East Tennessee mountains and foothills, where a High Wind Watch has been issued.

Elsewhere, including portions of the Cumberland Plateau, gusts of 30–40 mph or greater are possible.

The strongest winds are currently expected Saturday morning into Saturday afternoon. Winds of this magnitude in the higher elevations could bring down trees and power lines and cause power outages.

TIMING: Saturday looks to be the primary day for impacts across our region, with heavy rain continuing into Saturday night. The strongest winds are expected earlier in the day, while the flooding threat could continue into Sunday morning.

BOTTOM LINE: Confidence is increasing that Isaias will have a noticeable impact on our weather this weekend. Heavy rainfall and the potential for localized flooding are important concerns. Strong winds will be an additional concern, especially in the mountains, foothills and higher elevations.

If you have outdoor plans Saturday, now is the time to consider alternatives. It’s also a good idea to secure loose outdoor items, check flashlights and make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts.

This forecast is still subject to change as the system moves inland. I’ll continue monitoring the latest information and provide additional updates as we get closer to Saturday.

10/07/2026

09/29/2026

Tennessee’s voter registration deadline for the November 3 General Election is Monday, October 5. Early voting begins October 14 and runs through October 29.

If you aren’t registered,or if you’re not sure your registration is current, now is a good time to take care of it.

Voting is one of the most basic ways we participate in our government, but you can’t participate on Election Day if you miss the registration deadline.

You can register online through Tennessee’s official voter registration system here:

⁠Register to Vote Online — https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/

Deadline: Monday, October 5
Early Voting: October 14–29
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3

Take a few minutes, make sure you’re registered, and make a plan to vote.

09/28/2026

Good discussion about growth and issues affected by it…

09/28/2026

One of the best ways to understand local government is to pay attention before an issue becomes controversial.

A lot happens before the final vote you may read about on Facebook or see reported in the news. Commissioners review information, ask questions, hear from county departments and discuss proposals. Many issues are considered in committee meetings and work sessions before they ever reach the full County Commission for a vote.

And most of that happens in public.

The agendas are published. The meetings are open. Supporting documents are available. There are opportunities to attend, listen, ask questions and understand an issue while it is actually being considered, not just after a decision has been made.

Unfortunately, local government often gets the most attention after people are already upset about something. By then, weeks or even months of public discussion may have already taken place.

Good local government requires transparency, but it also requires citizens who are willing to stay informed and participate.

Being involved doesn’t mean every decision will satisfy everyone. It means citizens have the opportunity to be heard, elected officials have a responsibility to listen, and decisions are made through an open public process.

Pay attention. Ask questions. Make your voice heard. And get involved before the decision is made.

09/16/2026

Exciting announcement of a new partnership between Bradley Medical Center and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger focused on improving pediatric emergency readiness here in our community!

When a child needs emergency care, parents should have confidence that the people and facilities caring for them are prepared. Bringing together the resources and expertise of these two organizations is a meaningful step toward strengthening that care for families across Bradley County and our region.

I’m thankful to Vitruvian Health - Bradley Medical Center and Children's Hospital at Erlanger for making pediatric emergency readiness a priority and investing in better care for children here at home.

09/15/2026

This was fun! Thanks for the shoutout Steve and Mix 104.1 WCLE!

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago this morning, Americans went to work, boarded airplanes, dropped their children off at school and started what seemed like an ordinary Tuesday.

By the end of that day, our country had changed.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed on September 11, 2001. Among them were hundreds of firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who went toward the danger while thousands of others were trying to escape it.

Twenty-five years is a long time. There is now an entire generation that knows September 11 only through photographs, video and the stories we tell them.

That makes remembering even more important.

Remember the people who never made it home. Remember the first responders who answered the call. And make sure the generations coming behind us understand what happened that day and the sacrifice we witnessed.

September 11, 2001 deserves to remain part of our national memory.

09/07/2026

Labor Day is a good opportunity to recognize something we sometimes take for granted, the people whose work keeps our community moving every day.

From small business owners and skilled trades to teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, manufacturers, farmers, and countless others, Bradley County is built on people who show up, work hard, and take pride in what they do.

Today, I’m grateful for the work they do and the families that support them.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.