On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee experienced severe flash flooding due to a powerful thunderstorm. Heavy rain caused water to flood the park’s parking lots and walkways, leading to one reported injury.
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Pigeon Forge area, where Dollywood is located, as the region saw 2.5 inches of rain in just one hour and a total of 4 inches over the day.
Videos from the park showed visitors wading through flooded areas and shops, while some struggled to move their vehicles from submerged parking lots.
Among those affected were Bailey and Sophie Elkins, who had to wait approximately two hours for the water levels to drop before they could leave the park.
Dollywood officials reported that the flooding also impacted several park ponds and creeks, which quickly overflowed. Despite the chaos, staff managed the situation effectively and assisted guests.
Dollywood stated that cleanup crews were deployed and that the park would reopen on Monday afternoon. They are also supporting guests whose vehicles were damaged by the floodwaters.
The park plans to continue assessing the conditions and will update visitors through their social media channels as more information becomes available.
Dollywood’s response to the flood highlights their commitment to guest safety and recovery efforts.