Specialized Training, Experience and Safe Decisions Lead to Evacuating Little Cassi Creek Road Residents Saturday Afternoon

(JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.) July 12, 2026 – As heavy rain moved across Washington County Saturday afternoon during a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service, a resident called 911 as rapidly rising floodwaters surrounded a home on Little Cassi Creek Road.

That call prompted a coordinated response by Washington County 911, Washington County/Johnson City EMS (WCJCEMS), the Nolichuckey Valley Fire Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency (WCJCEMA), resulting in the residents' safe evacuation.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., Washington County 911 received the emergency call. The dispatcher gathered critical information while 911 personnel immediately notified responding agencies.

Washington County/Johnson City EMS responded with certified Swift Water Rescue Team personnel and remained in contact with the resident while crews responded.

Within minutes of WCJCEMS personnel arriving, floodwaters became faster, deeper and more dangerous. Swift water rescue personnel developed a strategic plan and then safely evacuated residents from the affected area to safe location until conditions improved. No injuries were reported during the incident.

WCJCEMS has conducted several swift water rescue training exercises this year to prepare for incidents like this. All WCJCEMS personnel assigned as rescue technicians are certified in swift water rescue, and several additional personnel throughout the department also trained in these specialized operations.

"Everyone involved trusted their training and made good decisions. The resident called 911, and our responders relied on their specialized training and experience to make the safest decisions every step of the way" said James Matthews, Public Affairs & Operations Officer for WCJCEMA and WCJCEMS. "Because of that, everyone went home safely which is always our goal.".

Washington County remains under a Flood Watch through late Sunday night into Monday morning. Additional rounds of heavy rain are expected, and conditions can change rapidly. Stay weather aware, have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Never drive or walk through floodwaters: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

If you find yourself in danger, don't wait. Call 911!

About the Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency (WCJCEMA)

WCJCEMA leads emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts for Washington County and the City of Johnson City.

About Washington County/Johnson City EMS (WCJCEMS)

WCJCEMS provides advanced life support, emergency medical services and rescue operations throughout Washington County and Johnson City.

About Washington County 911

Washington County 911 provides emergency communications services for Washington County 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dispatchers answer 911 calls, gather critical information and coordinate the response of law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.