KINGSPORT, Tenn. – As the summer recreation season nears, Tennessee Valley Authority officials are warning boaters of lower-than-normal water levels at three lakes in East Tennessee.
TVA officials told media that a lack of rainfall has caused the situation, which is affecting the Norris, Cherokee and South Holston reservoirs.
“It’s mainly to do with the lack of rainfall in those watersheds. … The areas that drain into those lakes haven’t gotten as much rainfall as the remainder of the tributary reservoirs,” TVA Senior River Forecast Manager Tom Barnett said.
The lower water level means boaters could face potential hazards such as sandbars, exposed banks and shallow areas.
“We are asking people who are out on the lake to be a little extra cautious,” Barnett said.