KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Governor signed an executive order Friday that declares a state of emergency in Tennessee.
Governor Bill Lee said on social media that he signed Executive Order 105, which formally declared a major disaster had happened in the state. By declaring a state of emergency, the state can seek funds to help respond and repair efforts when the storms are gone. Lee said he was asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help recovering from the storms.
The executive order said from Sept. 26 through Sept. 27, regions of the state saw severe rainfall and flash flooding, causing damage and threatening public safety. In areas like Newport, residents were asked to evacuate while rivers overflowed and threatened communities.
Shelters opened in churches and schools, taking in people who had to leave their homes.
