UPDATES FROM OBION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, RE: FLOODING IN RIVES

UPDATE FROM OBION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY:

If you’re unsure how to help with the recent flooding in Rives, please know that law enforcement and first responders from multiple counties are actively working in the area. One of the best things you can do is avoid the roads being used for emergency response.

 Do NOT attempt to enter Rives. It is impossible to get in, and authorities will not allow access.

 Ridgemont Elementary. General Public… Please do not go there unless you have been personally contacted to pick someone up. Additional traffic in the area causes congestion and makes response efforts more difficult.

 Food is covered at this time. If you want to help, consider donating items like clothes, blankets, and other essentials. Contact a local church to find out where to drop off donations—they will make sure items get to those in need without disrupting response efforts.

FROM THE OBION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEB. 15:
The town of Rives and other surrounding areas are experiencing rapid onset flooding due to a levee failure along the Obion River.

The West TEMA Regional Director reported that a levee along the Obion at Rives failed, causing flash flooding in the area on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2025.

The NWS has declared a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for the town of Rives until Monday at 7:30 a.m.

The town of Rives and other surrounding areas are experiencing rapid-onset flooding, according to the National Weather Service (NWS.)

IMMEDIATE EVACUATION is taking place for areas near the levee break. 

NWS is urging people in the area to seek higher ground NOW as this is a particularly dangerous situation. 

Officials are asking the public not to attempt to travel unless they are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order. 

Turn around, and don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths happen in cars, as reported by the NWS.

Fire Administration was notified at 7:30 a.m. of extensive flooding in the area and the request for water teams was issued. It was reported that approximately 200 residents needed to be rescued from the rising Obion River. 

Millington has sent a Type 3 (6 personnel) water rescue team and equipment to Rives for the Obion River flooding.  According to a social media post shared by the Millington Fire Department, teams have arrived in the area and have boats conducting recon missions of flooded properties in that community.

The Tipton County Swiftwater Team deployed 8 members along with their equipment to assist. Their deployment team consists of two from Munford, two from Atoka, one from Covington, and three from County Fire. The Tipton County EMA Director was requested and the County Hydratrack was also deployed.

The Madison County Fire Rescue Swift Water Rescue Team and the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department Mobile Hospital have also been dispatched to Obion County according to a Madison County, TN Government social media post.  

Additional water rescue teams from Collierville have been deployed to the area.   · 

ACCORDING TO THE OBION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FACEBOOK POST, SAT., FEB. 15....

Where to start! After a lengthy and detailed discussion with NWS Memphis, the general consensus is as that our area including Obion County, starting Saturday, will see excessive rainfall in a short time period. Amounts will range from 4 to 6 inches with some isolated areas more than 8 inches. With the rivers already at flood warnings stages,  and the ground saturated, areas that in the past have been proned to flash flooding should be on high alert. The flowing is what we can expect over the next 5 days.

TORNADO WATCH  southern part of Obion County. slight risk

Flash Flood watches and warnings.  HIGH Probability 

Winter Weather Watches and Warnings  Wednesday  50%

Severe Wind Chill warnings Thursday and Friday  HIGH

So as you can see anything and everything is possible.

Included is a graphic from NWS with their prediction. Take note of the purple dotted line that they call the bullseye.

Take note prepare and by all means turn around don't drown.