Severe thunderstorms hit eastern Tennessee hard, causing flash floods at Dollywood. Families ready for fun faced heavy rains instead. This turned the park into a watery mess. Dolly Parton’s park welcomes over 2 million guests each year. But nearly five inches of rain in less than an hour posed a real challenge. Amidst the storm, one person got minor injuries, showing how serious it was.
The flooding made roads near Dollywood’s entrance unsafe. This raised worries about visitor safety. But Dollywood was quick to take action. They are checking the damage and fixing things up. We’re here to give you the latest on Dollywood’s flood situation, including news from Pigeon Forge.
Key Takeaways
- Dollywood experienced severe flooding due to thunderstorms with nearly five inches of rain.
- One minor injury was reported during the flooding incident.
- The park plans to reopen at noon on Monday, its regularly scheduled time.
- A road near Dollywood’s entrance collapsed due to heavy flooding.
- Flash flood warnings were issued as rainfall intensified.
- Dollywood continues to prioritize visitor safety amid the ongoing recovery efforts.
Overview of the Recent Dollywood Flooding
Dollywood recently faced severe weather that caused major flooding. This event worried visitors and demanded quick actions from the staff and local emergency services. Almost 5 inches of rain fell within just an hour, creating risky conditions fast.
Impact of Thunderstorms on the Park
On July 28, thunderstorms hit Dollywood hard, leading to an urgent evacuation of guests. Videos from that day show people moving through water that was knee-deep. Only one minor injury happened, which shows how well the emergency plans worked. A flash flood warning from the National Weather Service made everyone take the situation seriously.
Extent of Rainfall and Flash Flooding
The rain didn’t just affect Dollywood but also hit Sevier County hard. The area saw mudslides, sinkholes, and fallen trees, as reported by the local emergency management. Road closures and damage made it tough to get to the park. With a flash flood warning in place, the bad weather’s threat was clear. More storms were expected, raising fears of further flooding.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Rainfall | Approximately 5 inches within one hour |
| Injuries Reported | One minor injury during flooding |
| Flash Flood Warning | Effective until 11 p.m. on July 28 |
| Road Closures | Due to washouts and mudslides |
| Park Reopening | Scheduled for 12 p.m. on July 29 |
Park Status Following the Flooding
The recent flooding at Dollywood led to quick action by park management for safety. After heavy rains, the park faced tough conditions. But, management’s swift response allowed Dollywood to reopen safely soon after.
Opening Times and Guest Safety Measures
Dollywood reopened on July 29, with doors opening at noon. If weather affected their plans, guests could choose rain checks or refunds. The park assured guest safety measures Dollywood by quickly cleaning up and securing the area for visitors.
Response from Dollywood Management
Dollywood’s management took effective steps during the flood. They reported only a minor injury, showing their preparedness. They stressed the importance of their response team and constant review of safety measures. Their goal is to maintain high standards for guests during tough times.
Dollywood Flooding: Emergency Response and Cleanup Efforts
The recent flooding at Dollywood led to a quick response from the park staff and local emergency teams. The severe weather demanded a united effort to ensure everyone’s safety. This collaboration was vital for handling the flood’s impacts effectively.
Collaboration with Local Emergency Services
Dollywood worked closely with local emergency services, including police and fire departments. This partnership was to keep visitors safe during the flood. Help was on hand quickly, showing how well they managed the crisis together. Their quick actions helped prevent more serious problems.
Assessment of Damage and Injuries Reported
Dollywood began cleanup by removing debris and assessing damage. The flood caused a road to collapse and left many in knee-deep water. But, there were few injuries, with only one minor case reported. This shows how effectively Dollywood’s team handled the situation.
About $300 in ticket refunds were sought by some guests. Fortunately, Dollywood allows refunds or rain checks for such weather issues. This policy gives guests some peace of mind during bad weather.
Ride Operations and Park Accessibility
Due to the recent flooding at Dollywood, some rides are temporarily closed. This ensures visitor safety through inspections and clean-ups. Despite reopening, some attractions may have limited access.
Which Rides Are Affected by the Flooding?
Popular rides like Smoky Mountain River Rampage and Daredevil Falls are currently closed. They are being checked to ensure they meet safety standards. Besides, Dollywood strictly follows safety protocols during bad weather, which may affect ride operations.
Visitor Experience and Safety Information
Dollywood helps visitors with special needs enjoy their visit. The Ride Accessibility Center provides a Boarding Pass for easier access to rides. A special Calming Room exists for those seeking a quiet space. Also, you can rent ECVs and wheelchairs, but it’s best to arrive early to get one.
Dollywood takes visitor safety very seriously, offering many amenities. Facilities include family restrooms and adult changing tables. There are also accessible picnic tables at dining areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Additional Closing of McCarter Hollow Road
The recent floods have caused McCarter Hollow Road to close, impacting access to Dollywood. Local authorities are keeping a close watch and taking big steps for safety and to keep the park accessible.
Details on Access to the Park
As of July 29, 2024, McCarter Hollow Road is shut by the Dollywood entrance. This is due to a road collapse from heavy floods. This situation means visitors need to plan a different way to get to the park.
The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is now watching the area more closely as the floodwater goes down. This might make getting to the park easier soon. However, it’s important for visitors to keep up-to-date on Dollywood access details for a hassle-free trip.
Alternate Routes for Visitors
Visitors looking for other ways to get to Dollywood can try these paths:
- Take Veterans Boulevard north and turn onto Wears Valley Road to avoid the closed areas.
- Go through the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and get to Dollywood through traffic from the main strip.
- Look at local traffic news for any new information on closures and road conditions toward Dollywood.
Driving to Dollywood now can be hard because of road debris and remaining water. It’s wise for visitors to keep informed and plan carefully when heading to Dollywood during this disturbance.
Visitor Information: Refunds and Future Visits
Dollywood knows that weather can change your park visit plans. Because of this, they’ve updated their policies to keep visitors happy. These updates make sure guests know what to do about refunds and future visits.
Park’s Policy on Rain Checks and Refunds
If severe weather hits, Dollywood has clear rules about refunds and rain checks. They let guests use yesterday’s tickets again. This shows how much Dollywood cares about making guests happy. People affected by the flood can also get rain checks Dollywood, so they can visit again later.
What to Expect on Your Next Visit to Dollywood
When planning another trip to Dollywood, you’ll see new safety steps and changes after the flood. Dollywood works hard to make every visit better, aiming to create great memories. It’s important to keep up with the park’s news and what attractions are open after any weather issues.
| Policy Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Refunds | Ticket refunds for guests affected by severe weather | Guests holding tickets from the previous day |
| Rain Checks | Tickets valid for future visits | Eligible guests facing weather disruptions |
| Safety Updates | Information on operational changes and safety measures | All visitors planning future visits |
Conclusion
The recent flooding at Dollywood showed the park’s dedication to keeping visitors safe. As soon as the flash flood warning was out, they acted fast. Their team worked hard to help everyone, especially those in deep water.
Dollywood plans to open again on Monday at noon, despite the flood. They’re keeping an eye on the weather in Pigeon Forge. They want to make sure the park is safe for everyone. If you were affected by the flood, they’re offering refunds.
Dollywood is working hard to provide a safe, enjoyable visit after the flood. They will keep guests updated. They aim to protect everyone from future floods too.
