Meteorologists have a complex explanation for what prompted the unremitting weekend rains that brought flooding, numerous deaths and heavy property damage to Nashville and left a trail of damage elsewhere in Tennessee and in two other states. The simple truth, though, will do. Thunderstorms continuously developed over the same areas from early Saturday morning until Sunday evening. The result: More than 13.5 inches of rain in the state capital. Up to 20 inches of rain were recorded in other areas. The result is catastrophic.
The toll and the devastation were revealed in greater detail Tuesday as waters from the Cumberland River and numerous lakes, creeks and streams began to recede. Many sections of Nashville were still under water. At least 10 deaths in the city were reported. At least eight other storm-related deaths were reported elsewhere in Tennessee. Officials fear the toll will increase as emergency management personnel gain access to the areas most damaged by flooding.
Property damage was extensive, in downtown Nashville, in the city’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, and across much of West and Middle Tennessee. Gov. Phil Bredesen, in fact, declared 52 of the state’s 95 counties disaster areas after an aerial inspection of the region. The heaviest damage, however, was in and around Nashville.
Parts of the city still were flooded Tuesday. A huge swath of the city’s downtown was without power after a main circuit failed. That left much of the country music tourist district, the 33-story AT&T Building, hotels and other businesses without power. A utility spokesman said it is possible that that power would not be restored until the end of the week.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans pro football team were flooded, though damage assessments were not immediately available. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, the Opry Mills Mall, the Grand Ole Opry House, at least one hospital, about 50 schools and homes and business beyond count reported damage. Road and other infrastructure problems prompted county officials to postpone Tuesday’s primary elections for two weeks.
The record-breaking rains created havoc, but most of those directly affected responded in a positive, even heroic, manner. Numerous rescues were reported. Neighbor helped neighbor and public employees braved the elements and worked to the point of exhaustion in life-threatening conditions to serve fellow citizens. The response to the emergency was splendid.
That work goes on. Rescue and relief efforts are winding down, but a full accounting of the havoc created by the weekend’s record-breaking rains and floods is several weeks, if not months, away. The most difficult task in the wake of the natural disaster – restoring lives and structures affected by the floods – is just beginning. It is likely to take a long time to complete.