A flash flood caused by a severe thunderstorm swept through Tennessee's Dollywood theme park on Sunday, injuring one person and forcing the evacuation of the park.
A powerful thunderstorm brought torrential rain and flooding to Tennessee on Sunday, causing a flash flood that swept through Dollywood, a popular amusement park in Pigeon Forge. The floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing park officials to evacuate guests and employees.
One person was injured in the flooding, but the extent of their injuries is not yet known. No other injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Flash Flood Injures One at Dollywood Theme Park
Park officials said the flooding caused "significant damage" to the park, including downed trees, flooded buildings, and damaged rides. The park will be closed for an undetermined amount of time while crews assess the damage and begin repairs.
Guests who were evacuated from the park were taken to a nearby mall where they could wait for the storm to pass. Park officials said they are working to contact guests who purchased tickets for Sunday and will provide refunds or exchanges.
The storm also caused flooding in other parts of Tennessee, including Sevier County, where Dollywood is located. Roads were closed and homes were damaged in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Sevier County on Sunday afternoon, as the storm moved through the area. The warning urged residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to seek higher ground if possible.
The flooding in Dollywood is a reminder of the dangers of flash floods, which can occur even with little or no warning. Flash floods can be caused by heavy rainfall, such as that which occurred in Tennessee on Sunday, or by the failure of a dam or levee.
If you are ever in an area where a flash flood warning has been issued, it is important to take the following steps:
* Avoid driving through flooded areas. Even a few inches of water can cause your car to stall.
* Seek higher ground if possible. If you are in a building, move to higher floors.
* Stay away from windows and doors. If the floodwaters rise, they can break windows and doors, causing serious injuries.
* Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the flooding.
Flash floods can be dangerous, but by taking the proper precautions, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or death.
