TEMA advises people to avoid Douglas Lake ‘until further notice’ as work to clear debris continues [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Several agencies are working together to clear debris from Douglas Lake, more than a month after Hurricane Helene devastated communities and filled the water with broken branches and parts from buildings.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Thursday that while crews work to clear the debris and protect infrastructure downstream, people should avoid the water. It sent the release more than three weeks after the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reversed its notice that people should avoid the water, claiming that the water levels had receded and washed debris ashore.

TEMA said Thursday that boaters and the public generally should avoid the lake “due to the hazards posed by debris.”

“The debris has the potential to cause serious injury or death, and ongoing cleanup efforts require the area …