Heavy rainfall triggers landslide and road closure on I‑40, Tennessee
Flash flooding and a landslide closed Interstate-40 (I-40) in both directions near the Tennessee-North Carolina border on June 18, 2025, following intense localized rainfall. Risk assessment by authorities is underway as further rainfall is expected in the region.
Interstate 40 closure after storms on June 19, 2025. Credit: NCDOT I-40
A localized thunderstorm delivered between 50 and 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) of rain in a short period on June 18, triggering flash flooding and a landslide on Interstate 40 (I‑40) near Mile Marker 450 in Cocke County, Tennessee. The affected section lies east of Exit 451 (Waterville Road), near the Tennessee–North Carolina state line.
Mud and debris covered the interstate, trapping a tractor-trailer and several other vehicles. Both eastbound and westbound lanes were shut down as a result.
And fresh video from about 7:30pm
— NCDOT I-40 (@NCDOT_I40) June 18, 2025
I-40 in Tennessee
Detour & More: https://t.co/ow6udr9YWp pic.twitter.com/vHr7qC6I2d
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that westbound I‑40 traffic was detoured at Exit 20 (Jonathan Creek Road), while the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) directed eastbound traffic to exit at Hartford Road (Exit 447) and reroute via I‑81 North and I‑26 East.
As of June 19, no injuries had been reported, but engineers said more inspections are needed before they can consider reopening. Local officials added that with water and debris still scattered across the area, it’s too early to give a timeline for when the road might reopen.
The affected stretch of I‑40 remains vulnerable due to structural instability following damage sustained during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. That event caused a 1.6 km (1 mile) collapse of the eastbound lanes and forced long-term repair efforts that are expected to be completed by 2028.
Given the ongoing risk of further rainfall and slope movement, transportation officials have urged drivers to avoid the area and monitor official advisories for updates on safety assessments and road reopening.
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