Dollywood, the famous amusement park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, has been severely affected by flash flooding, leading to the closure of nearby roads and leaving visitors stranded. The sudden flooding, which followed a storm in Tennessee, has even left one person injured.

The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for Sevier County, Tennessee, where the park is located, from 5.39pm on Sunday until 9.45pm. However, many visitors to the Dolly Parton-themed park found themselves trapped as the waters rapidly rose around them.

Videos shared online showed the scene at Dollywood, with picnic tables and umbrellas being swept away by the torrential rain. Visitors were seen wading through water that quickly rose from ankle-deep to waist level, like islands in the stream.

In response to the chaos, Dollywood management released a statement saying: “This afternoon, a strong thunderstorm caused flash flooding at Dollywood. With the assistance of Pigeon Forge Police and Fire Departments, park personnel directed guests to safety during the storm.

“At this time, one minor injury has been reported. Dollywood is supporting guests whose vehicles were affected by this weather event, and cleanup crews have been deployed. The park currently is scheduled to open at noon on Monday, July 29.”

Another video showed a gift shop in the park flooded with its doors wide open. Exiting the park proved challenging for visitors as cars were reported to be submerged, reports the Mirror.

A park-goer took to X to recount their harrowing escape from the floods at Dollywood. “We just made it out of the parking lot. They cut the fencing at the front to make a shortcut. Luckily we had parked in lot B away from the low side, so we made it out but there were several cars that were submerged about 3/4 up. The first responders are doing everything they can,” they shared.

Another visitor expressed their shock on Twitter: “I still love Dollywood… but we barely escaped today.”

Another Dolly fan added: “Didn’t have being stranded in the @Dollywood parking lot due to major flooding on my 2024 bingo card.”

The situation was chaotic for some fans of Dolly Parton, with reports of people cutting through fences to hastily exit the park as floodwaters rose, threatening to engulf their cars. One disgruntled guest vented their frustration on social media platform X, saying: “No one directed us to safety. After my disabled mother was nearly swept away by flood water trying to walk down the path from Timber Canyon, the staff we told about the situation seemed nonplussed.”

In response to the extreme weather conditions, Knoxville Police issued a warning via Twitter: “Periods of heavy rain are expected in our area for the next hour or more. Use caution on the roads, watch out for standing water, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. And remember, as always, to never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Dollywood, the crown jewel of Tennessee’s tourist attractions, welcomes close to three million guests each year, running from mid-March until the holiday season.

Originally launched as Rebel Railroad in 1961, the park underwent several name changes, Goldrush Junction, Goldrush, and Silver Dollar City, before country music legend Dolly Parton became a co-owner, leading to its rebranding as Dollywood in 1986.