Ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, officials with the Tennessee Valley Authority are urging safety and caution on local waterways — particularly as weather could be perilous.
TVA Senior Media Specialist Adam May noted boaters and fishers around dams need to pay extra attention — while keeping an eye on the TVA’s Lake Info phone app, which notifies when dams are spilling for flood control.
May and North Region Senior Communications Consultant Elisabeth Thompson said the most recent bout of wet weather brought most of the southeast watershed to summer pools, and two weeks ago it was a foot higher because of those excessive rains.
Aside from energy, Thompson added that the environment, as well as economic development, are key pillars for the TVA grid, and of the 652 governed miles on the Tennessee River, there are 49 dams that must be thoughtfully and scientifically managed.
Thompson also said the recent rain event also helped remove drought conditions first measured last fall.
May said the imminent weekend rainfall and potentially severe weather will be heavily observed not just by the National Weather Service, but also by TVA staff meteorologists, who will review real-time data at the River Forecast Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The forecast isn’t entirely gloomy for this weekend, which means folks will be out and about enjoying their time.
A contest running from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thompson said those interested can use the #TVAFun on social media, and TVA officials will choose the three best photos for prize packages coming this fall.
May also said to take time this weekend to keep veterans and their families on one’s mind.
For more information, visit tva.com.