Gov. Bill Lee and other state and federal officials traveled to northeast Tennessee on Saturday to survey catastrophic flood damage in several counties in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Lee was accompanied by First Lady Maria Lee,

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee surveyed flooding damage in the eastern part of the state, after Hurricane Helene hit the area with heavy rains. (AP Video by Kristin M. Hall)

FEMA announced federal disaster assistance was available for state and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Cocke, Hawkins and Washington counties.

Parts of Florida are already on a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Helene continues to strengthen as it moves north towards Tennessee. See where it is right now and when it could become a hurricane.

Along with the flood watch is a wind advisory for parts of West Tennessee. It is also in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Memphis lies just outside of the caution area, however, this could change as the day goes on. People can expect to see sustained winds of 25 miles an hour or more while the advisory is in effect.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Helene is now a tropical storm after charging into Florida as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday night but her remnants are being felt Friday morning across Middle Tennessee. Dozens of school districts are playing it safe and keeping students home or cutting them loose early on Friday.