First the snow, then … flooding?

Ice could be found along several stretches of the Clinch River in Clinchport and Scott County Tuesday as ice and snow began melting with warmer temperatures. Mike Still - Kingsport Times News GATE CITY – With warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast, snow will become liquid, and Scott County officials are advising residents to start planning for possible flooding.With frozen ground and ice in some parts of the Clinch River in the wake of the past weekend's storm, county emergency Coordinator Jeff Brickey said melting snow will flow into streams and rivers instead."The bigger concern is the rain," Brickey said.While stream and river levels are low now, Brickey said that will change in coming days. The Clinch River from Clinchport through Fort Blackmore and Dungannon is prone to flooding under the right conditions, and rainfall combined with snow melt. In January and February 2025, similar conditions led to flooding in the Clinchport area that blocked Route 65 and led to a vehicle caught in the Clinch River. The driver was rescued after a water rescue by the Duffield and Nickelsville fire departments, with help from Bristol Virginia's swift water boat rescue team."Monitor road conditions and weather forecasts and be aware of routes to and from where you live," said Brickey. "Keep a go-bag ready with supplies and documents in case you have to leave your home."Motorists should not try to cross flooded areas of roads, Brickey said. Misjudging the water depth or concealed road damage under the surface pose the risk of being stranded or swept away by the current."Turn around, don't drown," Brickey added.The Clinch River and connected streams are susceptible to flooding after heavy snows and rainfall combined, Brickey said. The Cooper Creek Road, Stony Creek, Fort Blackmore and Dungannon areas have seen flooding under conditions like those forecast through the weekend.The Little Duck Road area near Nickelsville has seen flooding under similar conditions before, Brickey said, and parts of Gate City near Moccasin Creek. Online: Flood safety and preparation: - National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood- American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html?srsltid=AfmBOooeW-5hKxhaTUdGfZQ07xQvtmQQcy8cHWup8DwOqaAJ8U66g7bN