Tennessee Gov. Lee and Sen. Marsha Blackburn visited the Northeast Tennessee region on Saturday to tour and assess flood damage. “I am heartbroken by the devastating damage in East Tennessee caused by the horrific storm,

Gov. Bill Lee and other state and federal officials traveled to northeast Tennessee on Saturday to survey catastrophic flood damage in several counties in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

Area law enforcement and emergency management agencies are warning drivers to avoid high waters and use caution. Flood warnings are in effect for several counties in East Tennessee. 6 News’ crews and viewers have captured photos of flooding, heavy rain and trees down throughout the region.

The authorities were evacuating people downstream from the Nolichucky Dam, warning that a breach could cause deadly flooding.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee surveyed flooding damage in the eastern part of the state, after Hurricane Helene hit the area with heavy rains. (AP Video by Kristin M. Hall)

FEMA announced federal disaster assistance was available for state and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Cocke, Hawkins and Washington counties.