The warning system, which began operating in early October, includes signs, warning horns and strobe lights that warn the public of water discharges through the dam and of rapidly rising water downstream from the dam.
‘The horns and strobe lights will automatically be activated prior to water level changes as a safety warning to the public,’ said TVA Senior Vice President of River Operations Janet Herrin. ‘When the horns and strobe lights are activated, boaters and the public should quickly move to safe areas.’
Before TVA begins generating power and releasing water from the dam, two warning horns and two strobe lights mounted on a hand rail on the promenade deck above the discharge area will be activated.
Before spilling from the dam occurs, four strobe lights and two warning horns mounted near an electronic message sign on both sides of the dam will be activated. Message boards will display information that water will be spilled soon.