Pigeon Forge, Tennessee residents and visitors experienced a chaotic scene at the Dollywood theme park over the weekend as heavy storms caused flash flooding throughout the area. Park attendees were seen wading through nearly waist-deep waters in their attempts to reach safety as floodwaters inundated the park.
Social media was flooded with images and videos showcasing the brown water coursing through pedestrian areas and pooling in the parking lot at the popular theme park co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton. Despite the challenging conditions, Dollywood was able to reopen the next day after the flooding subsided, with only minor injuries reported during the storm.
The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning the night of the storms, attributing the widespread flooding to the significant rainfall of up to 4 to 5 inches in the area. Local officials worked diligently to manage road closures, washouts, and mudslides caused by the torrential downpours that swept through the region.
In a statement following the incident, Dollywood emphasized that the safety of guests was their top priority, lauding the quick response of park staff and emergency personnel in ensuring the well-being of everyone on the premises. Despite the challenges posed by the severe weather, the park made accommodations for affected guests, offering to honor tickets for a future visit and accepting rain checks provided.
As cleanup efforts continue at the park, weather forecasts indicate the potential for further showers and storms in the coming days, raising concerns about additional flooding and damaging winds in the area. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions to address any future weather-related challenges that may arise.