KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) has sent out several of their linemen to assist in restoring power in East Tennessee following Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene, a Category Four hurricane, made landfall Thursday, Sept. 26 in Florida’s gulf and made its way more than 600 miles north through Georgia and the Carolinas before reaching Tennessee and northern Alabama by Saturday, Sept. 28.

While Middle Tennessee had flooding in local areas, East Tennessee experienced much greater devastation, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation sharing the damage statistics that showed 27 state roadway sections were closed, 14 state bridges were closed and five state bridges were destroyed.

Following the aftermath, several law enforcement, emergency responders, local organizations and more came together to help flood victims.

Locally, TUA sent out several members of its line crew to Elizabethton to help restore power. 

“We at Tullahoma Utilities Authority take great pride in supporting our neighboring communities through mutual aid, especially in times of crisis,” TUA officials said to The News. “Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, TUA dispatched a four-man crew to Elizabethton, Tenn., on Friday afternoon to assist in storm restoration efforts after severe flooding and wind damage.”

When the TUA team arrived, approximately 10,000 customers were without power, TUA representatives said. 

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of local crews and mutual aid from utilities across the region, that number has been reduced to 2,000 as of 10 a.m. (Monday) morning. Our crew continues to work tirelessly alongside others to restore service to the remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible.”

TUA President Allen Potter said TUA crews embody the true spirit of public power.

“Mutual aid is a cornerstone of our industry, and we are proud to send help where it is needed most,” he said. “Their dedication and hard work represent the best of what it means to be part of a public utility. We’re committed to assisting Elizabethton until the job is done, and our prayers go out to all those impacted by the storm.”

He added public power is more than just reliable service—it’s about communities helping communities in times of need.

“We thank our team for their unwavering commitment and the continued support from our community back home,” he said.

In addition, Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin asked residents who wanted to assist victims to drop off cases of water at the Coffee County Justice Center over the weekend, where the department took the water and some patrol cars to East Tennessee to assist.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent flooding in Northeast Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas across East Tennessee may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463). Callers should be prepared to relay as much identifying information as possible, including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification, and last known whereabouts. Recognizing the importance of accounting for individuals who may be missing, TBI urges the public to refrain from calling to inquire about the status of personal properties in the affected areas.