CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Torrential rainfall across southern Tennessee forced the closure of a major interstate and prompted dozens of water rescues Tuesday evening as drainage systems were quickly overwhelmed.

The National Weather Service said upwards of half a foot of rain fell around the Chattanooga area, with more possibly on the way.

The Chattanooga Fire Department reported conducting numerous rescues, including pulling stranded drivers from vehicles and assisting residents trapped inside homes as water levels rose rapidly.

Despite the flash flooding, officials said no injuries or missing people had been reported as of Tuesday evening.

One of the hardest-hit areas appeared to be along Interstate 24 southeast of Chattanooga , where floodwaters several feet deep forced crews to close th

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