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Devastating storms define Appalachia's 2024 climate

After a year of weather extremes that brought everything from deadly floods to bitter cold, experts at East Tennessee State University have released a detailed analysis of the region's 2024 weather patterns.

Their findings highlight both record-breaking temperatures and catastrophic storms—underscoring the growing need for preparedness as communities face unpredictable conditions.

The report, published by Tennessee's Climate Office housed at ETSU, details how Southern Appalachia endured scorching heat and devastating floods, including the tragic September storm linked to remnants of Hurricane Helene. That flood claimed more than a dozen lives and left key highways like I-40 and I-26 closed for weeks.

"From record heat to heartbreaking losses from flooding, 2024 tested the resilience of our communities," said Dr. Andrew Joyner, Tennessee's state climatologist and a faculty member in the ETSU Department of Geosciences. "It was a year that reinforced the need for communities to have detailed plans in place in response to extreme weather."

Weather extremes

The Tri-Cities area experienced its hottest year on record, with Knoxville and Chattanooga close behind. Meanwhile, a January cold snap plunged East Tennessee into sub-zero wind chills and heavy snow, leading to widespread closures and at least 36 weather-related deaths across the state.

Then came the dry months.

By summer, parched farmland and dwindling water supplies forced some communities to enact conservation measures. Farmers reported stressed cattle and crop losses as creeks and ponds ran low.

Helene

But nothing compared to the devastation of September.

When remnants of Hurricane Helene collided with a stalled front, the result was catastrophic flooding. The Pigeon River at Newport crested higher than ever recorded, while the Nolichucky River washed away bridges and submerged entire neighborhoods and farmlands.

Joyner and his team offered a detailed analysis of what made the storm so severe.

"Floodwaters rose faster than many had ever seen," Joyner said. "Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. It was a reminder that extreme weather can arrive with little warning and devastating speed."

While overall precipitation in Tennessee ended near average, the analysis shows East Tennessee remained drier than usual. Snowfall was also below average in much of the region's higher elevations.

Preparation

These patterns are part of an ongoing trend that requires attention and adaptation, Joyner said.

Last year, Tennessee's Climate Office became one of only nine sites nationwide to receive federal pilot funding aimed at helping communities better understand and respond to long-term weather vulnerabilities.

"We need to be prepared for more extremes, both wet and dry," said Joyner. "Our work at ETSU and Tennessee's Climate Office helps communities access the data and tools they need to build resilience against future weather disasters."