Morgan County,TN Emergency Management and Homeland Security

06/13/2026

Morgan County Train Derailment Update as of June 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m. ET:

Morgan County emergency officials continue to lead the response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in the Lancing area, with support from local, state, federal, and private-sector response partners.
There have been no reported injuries, and at this time, there is no active threat to the public.
Based on monitoring being conducted, there is nothing for the public to be concerned about. EPA community monitoring had no findings.
Crews are continuing response and recovery work, including debris removal, railway repairs, environmental monitoring, and water sampling. Preventative measures are also being used to help protect water quality, including a boom on the river and aeration devices to help maintain normal oxygen levels.

What the public can expect:

Response and recovery work is expected to continue for several days. Because the derailment site is in a remote area with limited access, heavy equipment and response vehicles may be moving in and out of the area.
There may be intermittent road closures or delays while equipment is brought in, offloaded, and used near the site.
Please continue to avoid the area so emergency crews and response partners can work safely.
Additional updates will be shared as response and recovery operations continue.

06/12/2026

Update on the Morgan County Train Derailment as of June 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET:

Morgan County emergency officials continue to lead response operations for the Norfolk Southern train derailment in the Lancing area, with support from neighboring emergency management agencies, state and federal partners, Norfolk Southern, and response contractors.
The fire at the derailment site is still ongoing, and crews remain active in the area. The site is remote and has limited access, which continues to make response and cleanup operations challenging.
Air monitoring was conducted overnight by Norfolk Southern contractors, and there have been no findings. EPA and TDEC personnel are also on the ground to monitor conditions and support air monitoring efforts. At this time, there is nothing for the public to be concerned about.
Cleanup operations are beginning in phases after the National Transportation Safety Board reviewed footage and approved cleanup activities for some of the train cars. Not all cars will be cleaned up immediately. Cleanup is expected to take several days and could last up to a week.
Because of the remote location and the heavy machinery needed for cleanup, there may be intermittent road closures while equipment is brought in and offloaded. Please avoid the affected area and follow guidance from local officials.
The evacuation center at Central High School has been closed because no residents reported there.
Public safety remains our top priority. We will continue to provide updates as response and cleanup operations progress.

06/10/2026

Morgan County is lucky to have such an important resource with the K9 team of MCCX! We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that goes into this team.

The Morgan County Correctional Complex K-9 team recently helped local law enforcement find a missing woman.

Officers Scott Johnston and Bobby Schubert, along with K-9 Tucker, responded to a request for assistance and successfully located the woman. Medical personnel responded to the scene, provided emergency aid, and transported her to a local hospital for further treatment.

Thank you to Officers Johnston and Schubert and K-9 Tucker for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to helping others.

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 12:44PM EDT until May 30 at 12:45PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for portions of
southwest North Carolina and east Tennessee.

AFFECTS: Morgan, TN

INSTRUCTION: [None]

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/cWskFNz

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 12:44 PM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 12:45 PM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for portions of
southwest North Carolina and east Tennessee.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/cWskFNz

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 8:58AM EDT until May 30 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Anderson County in east Tennessee...
Southwestern Campbell County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...
South Central Scott County in east Tennessee...

* Until noon EDT.

* At 858 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3.5 inches of
rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches
are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Rosedale and Frozen Head State Park.

AFFECTS: Anderson, TN; Campbell, TN; Morgan, TN; Scott, TN

INSTRUCTION: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/3Jzcdam

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 8:58 AM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 12:00 PM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Anderson County in east Tennessee...
Southwestern Campbell County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...
South Central Scott County in east Tennessee...

* Until noon EDT.

* At 858 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3.5 inches of
rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches
are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Rosedale and Frozen Head State Park.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/3Jzcdam

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 8:49AM EDT until May 30 at 12:45PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 1245 PM EDT.

* At 849 AM EDT, Moderate to heavy rainfall is occurring. Local law
enforcement reported Highway 62 in Wartburg has been closed.
Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall
amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash
flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Wartburg, Frozen Head State Park, Petros and Coalfield.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
Stockstill Creek, Little Creek, Taylor Branch, Flat Fork, Crooked
Fork, Scutcheon Creek, Laurel Fork, Campground Creek, Obed River,
Greasy Creek, Geise Creek, Middle Creek, Knight Branch, Little
Emory River, Emory River, New River, Sang Branch, Stillhouse
Branch, Beech Fork, Judge Branch and Rock Creek.

AFFECTS: Morgan, TN

INSTRUCTION: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/MoSrhcd

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 8:49 AM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 12:45 PM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 1245 PM EDT.

* At 849 AM EDT, Moderate to heavy rainfall is occurring. Local law
enforcement reported Highway 62 in Wartburg has been closed.
Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall
amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash
flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Wartburg, Frozen Head State Park, Petros and Coalfield.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
Stockstill Creek, Little Creek, Taylor Branch, Flat Fork, Crooked
Fork, Scutcheon Creek, Laurel Fork, Campground Creek, Obed River,
Greasy Creek, Geise Creek, Middle Creek, Knight Branch, Little
Emory River, Emory River, New River, Sang Branch, Stillhouse
Branch, Beech Fork, Judge Branch and Rock Creek.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/MoSrhcd

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 8:11AM EDT until May 30 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Anderson County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 1000 AM EDT.

* At 811 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated additional rain moving
across the warned area. at 7:45 AM, at least one roadway was
reported flooded and impassable in the warned area by local law
enforcement.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Oak Ridge, Clinton, Oliver Springs, Coalfield and Frozen Head
State Park.

AFFECTS: Anderson, TN; Morgan, TN

INSTRUCTION: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/kjQmZpx

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 8:11 AM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 10:00 AM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Anderson County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 1000 AM EDT.

* At 811 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated additional rain moving
across the warned area. at 7:45 AM, at least one roadway was
reported flooded and impassable in the warned area by local law
enforcement.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Oak Ridge, Clinton, Oliver Springs, Coalfield and Frozen Head
State Park.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/kjQmZpx

05/30/2026

With parts of Morgan County currently under a Flash Flood Warning, we want to share important flood safety information from the National Weather Service to help keep our community safe.

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 5:08AM EDT until May 30 at 9:15AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Anderson County in east Tennessee...
Southwestern Campbell County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...
South Central Scott County in east Tennessee...

* Until 915 AM EDT.

* At 508 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3.5 inches of
rain have fallen over the last hour or two. Flash flooding is
ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Rosedale and Frozen Head State Park.

AFFECTS: Anderson, TN; Campbell, TN; Morgan, TN; Scott, TN

INSTRUCTION: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/PAirs4F

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 5:08 AM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 9:15 AM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Anderson County in east Tennessee...
Southwestern Campbell County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...
South Central Scott County in east Tennessee...

* Until 915 AM EDT.

* At 508 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3.5 inches of
rain have fallen over the last hour or two. Flash flooding is
ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Rosedale and Frozen Head State Park.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/PAirs4F

05/30/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Flash Flood Warning issued May 30 at 4:25AM EDT until May 30 at 8:30AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

SUMMARY:
--------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Anderson County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 830 AM EDT.

* At 425 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen over the last hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Oak Ridge, Clinton, Oliver Springs, Coalfield and Frozen Head
State Park.

AFFECTS: Anderson, TN; Morgan, TN

INSTRUCTION: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/E3GL7QN

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/30/26 4:25 AM EST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/30/26 8:30 AM EST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
FFWMRX

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Anderson County in east Tennessee...
East Central Morgan County in east Tennessee...

* Until 830 AM EDT.

* At 425 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen over the last hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Oak Ridge, Clinton, Oliver Springs, Coalfield and Frozen Head
State Park.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/E3GL7QN