Rain, flooding through Thursday; Anderson County schools, roads closed

Anderson County schools closed today, and weather forecasters say a stationary storm system could continue dumping light to moderate rain on the region through Thursday, possibly creating more flooding along some waterways and other low-lying areas.

Ten Anderson County roads are closed, impassable, or affected by flooding, authorities said. Among the closed roads are Batley Road at Airport Road and the 300 block of Bush Road in Marlow, Midway Drive and Airport Road in Oliver Springs, Irwin Mill Road in Clinton, and the bridge on Pumpkin Hollow Road at Brooks Gap Road near Interstate 75.

Anderson County dispatchers said Lower Clear Creek Road and Dairy Pond Road in Norris are impassable, and Brooks Gap Road and the 400 block of Old Dutch Valley Road have a lot of water over them.

Anderson County schools closed this morning before classes began and could re-open tomorrow.

“We’ve had a lot of flooded roads and downed trees,” said Pam Crawford, executive secretary for the Anderson County director of schools and Board of Education.

The National Weather Service in Morristown said the persistent rain means more roadways could become covered with water.

“Use extreme caution, especially at night,” the Weather Service said. “Do not cross water-covered roadways, especially in your vehicle.”

Forecasters said there could be a brief period of drier conditions Wednesday afternoon and evening before another round of rain moves into the area tonight and Thursday.

A flood watch is in effect for parts of southwest North Carolina and Virginia, and East Tennessee, including Anderson, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Scott, and Union counties.

The rain isn’t expected to be heavy, but its duration could lead to more flooding, the Weather Service said.