Nashville weather: Sunny skies finally here on Sunday, but river flood threat remains into next week
Carmen Klapper had barely any warning before a flash flood hit the RV park her family was staying in Saturday evening. Mariah Timms, USA Today Network-Tennessee
The Nashville Weather Service predicts Sunday will be partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 53. Overnight, the low may drop below freezing before swinging up to a sunny, low-50s Monday.
The sun will be out, but rain runoff will still be moving through the area. Water-covered roadways are dangerous even in daylight.
Rivers to remain high, at flood potential
Several rivers remain under a flood warning until Tuesday night as swollen waterways continue in the area after a record-breaking amount of rainfall in February.
"Water is going to be slow to go down," Rose said. Rivers, especially, are "not going to drop as fast as places that get flash flooded."
The Harpeth and Cumberland Rivers will be under flood warnings until Tuesday night at several points in Davidson County. Browns Creek reached minor flooding stage Saturday night after heavy rain.
The NWS lists five stages of flooding on its river forecast map: Major flooding, moderate flooding, minor flooding, near flood stage and no flooding.
Moderate flooding was predicted at the Harpeth River near Kingston Springs, Duck River at Columbia and Duck River at Centerville.
Both the Cumberland and the Harpeth are expected to reach moderate flood stage, likely impacting greenways and industrial areas along their banks, according to NWS and Metro Nashville Water Services predictions.
Flooding likely low-impact
Metro Water Services said Saturday it does not anticipate the Cumberland downtown to rise to a level that is a concern to businesses in that area. Businesses or buildings with underground garages or structures should take precautions.
The Cumberland River's flood stage is 40 feet in downtown Nashville.
On Saturday night, the Cumberland River's water level was at 39.59 feet, according to NWS data.
It's expected to hit 43.8 feet by Sunday evening.
According to the NWS, at 42 feet, Riverfront Park is flooded to the fourth grassy area, as well as other recreational and greenway areas along the river. Portions of Cowan Street and Cowan Court are flooded and may be impassable. Industrial properties on Davidson Street, North First Street, Cowan Street and Cowan Court are also flooded.
In May 2010 during Nashville's devastating floods, the Cumberland River crested at 52 feet.
This story is being provided free to all readers as a public service by The Tennessean. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing.