On Anniversary Of Fatal Flood, High Waters In Carter County Raise Concerns

Wednesday’s heavy rains put people in Carter County on edge today. There, heavy rains forced Stoney Creek and the Watauga and Doe River’s to swell. Still, people in Carter County know it could have been much worse. Today marks the 11-year anniversary of the Doe River flood that led to the deaths of seven people.

Sandy Bowers woke up at three in the morning Wednesday to stand guard outside of her trailer.

“It was pouring the rain and we were worried about the creek rising,“ Bowers said.

Bowers had reason to be concerned. After all, her trailer borders Stoney Creek, which was raging for most of the morning. The creek’s not so calm waters flooded a handful of roads, but luckily no homes. Still it made Bowers wonder if she’d be up a creek by day’s end.

“I was afraid it would just wash away,“ Bowers said. “Start coming over and wash everything away.“

Wednesday’s heavy rains put those like Bowers who live in Carter County on edge. The rain didn’t just force Stoney Creek to swell. The non-stop precipitation also caused the Watauga and Doe Rivers to crest. Still, people in Carter County know it could have been much worse. After all, today marks the 11-year anniversary of the Doe River flood that led to the deaths of seven people.

“I remember the morning,“ Elizabethton/Carter County Emergency Management Director Ernest Jackson said. “Waking up and hearing that Doe River roaring just like a freight train.“

At first sight of the rain Wednesday, Jackson immediately thought back to that 1998 day.

“It had the smell of really, of destruction,“ Jackson said.

That flood destroyed homes, propelled propane tanks into the water, and led to dangerous rescue efforts. 11 years later, flooding along Stoney Creek and the Watauga River was less destructive. Still, it was a problem for an Elizabethton construction crew. Summers-Taylor workers were in the process of building a bridge along the Watauga, when they arrived Wednesday morning to find their crane surrounded by water. The flood waters drenched some more of Summers-Taylor’s equipment, including one of their most valuable items.

“The Porta Potty’s even (surrounded by water),“ Jones said. “They’ve got it tied down right now.“

Nearby Riverside Park also felt the Watauga River’s fury. The high waters flooded a walking trail and surrounded the park’s new picnic tables.

“We need water, but we don’t need it like this,“ Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Maintenance Supervisor David McQueen said.

Still, all can take some comfort knowing Wednesday’s flood was nothing compared to the one 11 years ago.