Nashville, Tennessee – A Flood Watch is in effect across much of Middle Tennessee beginning Friday morning, Jan. 9, as increasing rainfall raises the risk of flash flooding through Saturday morning, Jan. 10.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, the Flood Watch covers a wide portion of Middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Maury, Marshall, Bedford, Coffee, Warren, Putnam, Cumberland, DeKalb, Smith, Jackson, Overton, Fentress, Perry, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, Giles, Wayne, Grundy, Van Buren, White, Clay, Pickett, and Trousdale counties.
Communities within the watch area include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Smyrna, La Vergne, Columbia, Cookeville, Crossville, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Manchester, McMinnville, Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Waynesboro, Jamestown, Livingston, Sparta, and Centerville.
Forecasters say showers will develop overnight and increase during the day on Friday, Jan. 9, with the heaviest rainfall expected Friday night into early Saturday, Jan. 10. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are forecast across much of the region, with locally higher amounts possible. Heavy downpours could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flooding of streets, low-lying areas, and small streams.
The National Weather Service warns that tributaries of the Duck River may be especially vulnerable to rapid rises. Urban areas and locations with poor drainage are also at increased risk.
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to monitor forecasts closely and be prepared to take action if Flood Warnings are issued. Motorists should never drive across flooded roadways, as water depth can be difficult to determine.
