Will Nashville break a record rain set in 1880? More flooding on the way.
Will Nashville break a record rain set in 1880? More flooding on the way.
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More rain is forecast through Saturday for Nashville and Middle Tennessee, which would approach or break a record for February set in 1880 as flash flood concerns continue.
A chance for strong to severe storms is also part of the outlook on Saturday as a cold front follows the final wave of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast is for 2-4 more inches of rain Thursday afternoon through late Saturday or early Sunday, which could include heavier amounts in different areas, according to meteorologist Brendan Schaper.
There has been 10.34 inches of rain in February through Feb. 20 recorded at Nashville International Airport. The record for rainfall in Nashville is 12.37 inches set in 1880, according to the National Weather Service.
“Since the ground is already saturated, additional rainfall could quickly cause flash flooding,” Schaper said.
A flash flood watch has been issued for midnight Thursday through all of
Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain is expected to move into southern Middle Tennessee around midday and light rain could move into Nashville late afternoon or early evening, Schaper said.
The rain is expected to become more widespread later Thursday evening and overnight and continue into Friday with bands of heavy rainfall possible in some areas.
Rain is forecast on Saturday with bands of heavy rainfall that could be more widespread, Schaper said.
Saturday afternoon and evening has a chance for isolated strong to severe storms with damaging winds and possible isolated tornadoes, according to Schaper.
The Cumberland River in Nashville is expected to crest around 39.6 feet around 6 p.m., Wednesday, just below the 40-foot flood stage mark, Schaper said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is monitoring the river system and making operational adjustments, according to the forecast, in attempts to keep the Cumberland River below flood stage, spokesman Bill Peoples said.
We will update this article as new information comes in.
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