Update: Tennessee Officials say it could take up to 2 weeks to repair damage caused by flash flooding on June 18th.
Interstate 40 is shut down in both directions near the North Carolina–Tennessee state line due to a potential landslide and flooding.
The closure is in place at Mile Marker 450 in Cocke County, Tennessee, where muddy water has overtaken the roadway. Photos shared by Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Mark Nagi show traffic at a standstill, including a tractor-trailer and several other vehicles.
Crews are working to free the stuck vehicles, and officials are urging drivers to avoid the area. More rain is expected tonight, which could worsen the situation.
Geotechnical engineers were dispatched to the scene around 6:30 p.m. to assess the area. Both I-40 and nearby Waterville Road are reported to be flooded. Emergency crews are also removing barrier rails to allow vehicles to turn around.
Drivers headed to North Carolina from Tennessee are advised to take I-81 North to I-26 East. Meanwhile, on the North Carolina side, I-40 is closed at Exit 20 near Lake Junaluska.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued the following detour:
- Take Exit 20 to U.S. 276,
- Continue to I-40 East and take Exit 46B to I-240 East,
- From there, follow I-240 to Exit 4A and merge onto I-26 West,
- Continue to I-81 South in Tennessee to reconnect with I-40.
