Good news: Dollywood helping guests whose cars were damaged in ‘unprecedented’ flash flooding

Dollywood Offers Support to Guests Affected by Flash Flooding

 

Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is providing assistance to guests whose cars were damaged in the recent “unprecedented” flash flooding ¹. The park is offering support on a case-by-case basis to help guests with damaged vehicles.

 

*Flash Flooding Causes Chaos*

 

On July 28, 2024, thunderstorms brought heavy rain to eastern Tennessee, causing flash flooding in Dollywood ¹. The park’s drainage systems were overwhelmed, resulting in knee-deep water in walkways and rides. Guests in parking areas were seen navigating through waist-deep water, and some vehicles became partially submerged.

 

*Park Response*

 

Dollywood staff, assisted by Pigeon Forge police and firefighters, directed guests to safety during the storm ¹. Only one minor injury was reported. The park deployed cleanup crews to address the flooding aftermath and reopened on July 29, 2024, at noon.

 

*Support for Affected Guests*

 

Dollywood is supporting guests whose vehicles were affected by the flash flooding ¹. The park asks guests with damaged cars to reach out to them directly for assistance on a case-by-case basis.

 

*Reopening and Recovery*

 

Dollywood reopened on July 29, 2024, at noon, with tickets from the previous day being honored ². The park is committed to providing support and information to guests and is evaluating its response to determine if any changes are needed moving forward.

 

*Extreme Weather Events*

 

The flash flooding at Dollywood highlights the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events. The park’s resilience and commitment to guest safety serve as a testament to effective emergency action and the need for continued improvement in weather-related emergency responses.