'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, a rainstorm caused a flash flood at Dollywood, which is the theme park owned by singer Dolly Parton, and located in the US state of Tennessee. In footage from inside the park, rapidly flowing water is seen rushing past rides and filling souvenir stores.
In some other clips from the park, people could be seen walking through waist-deep water in the parking lot in order to reach their partially submerged cars.
Following the event, a number of park visitors wrote on X that they had never witnessed a flood so severe.
Other netizens and park visitors expressed their concern over the whole matter and compared the flood to something out of the 'Old Testament'.
“Well...I was at Dollywood today. And yes, it was like the Old Testament. This video was only the start. Props to the Dollywood FD for leading us to our cars like The Batman”, one X user said.
“I saw some other videos from there. Looked wild Hope the rest of your time in the Panama City of the mountains is better than this”, said one X user.
“That's crazy. Pray tell on Saturday morning!”, commented one user.
Many other netizens also expressed their concern for the visitors of the park.
“Weather was showing flash flooding over that area. Hope everyone is safe”, wrote one user.
“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m begging of you, don’t wash away my minivan”, another one said.
“I love the fact that an individual used a paper bag as an umbrella. Thankfully everyone is ok and Dollywood is assisting individuals whose vehicles were impacted by the flood”, another X user said.
Others were shocked by the scale and suddenness of the flood.
“Omg”, one netizen wrote.
“This is not normal”, said another netizen, showing concern.
The flood at Dollywood made the lives of the visitors inconvenient
On Sunday, July 28, there were reports of heavy precipitation in Knox and Sevier counties. As a result, the National Weather Service office in Morristown, Tennessee, issued a Flash Flood Warning for the region, which included Dollywood.
The primary issue, according to the EPA, is localized flooding brought on by an abundance of moisture and frequent, intense rains. Now, proving the accuracy of the forecast, a massive flood affected Dollywood on Sunday.
When the flash flooding was first reported, the park authorities released photos and videos of the area showing water covering parking lots and pathways and people attempting to make their way through the rushing water to get inside.
Videos also show floods seeping into a few of the theme park's stores. In other videos, a parking area of the place could be seen encircled by the floodwater, trapping the cars. Additionally, people were also seen attempting to enter their partially submerged cars.
During the storm, employees guided park visitors to safety with the assistance of the Pigeon Forge police and fire departments. The park officials later said in a statement published on Facebook on July 28 that following the flooding only one minor injury was reported.
The announcement further stated that circumstances would be evaluated to decide whether or not the park would operate on Monday, July 29. It then said,
"Dollywood is supporting guests whose vehicles were affected by this weather event, and clean-up crews have been deployed.”
The post continued,
"Park officials will continue to assess conditions and updates will be posted to our social media pages as additional information becomes available.”
Meanwhile, early on Monday morning, July 29, Knoxville Police also posted a warning on its X account, stating,
"Periods of heavy rain are expected in our area for the next hour or more. Use caution on the roads, watch out for standing water, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. And remember, as always, to never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown."
Dollywood is anticipated to reopen for business from Monday afternoon, July 29. On the other hand, no other injuries have been reported as of yet.
