In 2010, A Massive Flood Swept Through Tennessee That No One Can Ever Forget
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Meghan Kraft
Author
There are moments in the history of every state and city that will forever be etched in our collective memory. Sometimes those moments are joyous and triumphant, and sometimes they are devastating. Unfortunately, Tennessee has had one of the later moments in recent history, and while the damage from the flood of 2010 rocked the state to its core, it is also a story full of untold heroism and countless communities bonding together to persevere.
On May 1st, 2010, Tennessee experienced massive amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, causing rivers, creeks, and lakes all throughout Middle Tennessee to swell beyond their banks. The ensuing flood was absolutely devastating.
Despite the flood controls throughout the area, the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville reached over 50 feet due to the 13+ inches of rain received in the 48-hour period. As a result, many of the buildings in downtown Nashville flooded, including the newly opened Pinnacle building, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Bridgestone Arena.
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While the rain stopped on May 2nd, it took nearly a week for the flood waters to recede. During that time, many communities throughout Middle Tennessee experienced power outages, closed schools, and difficulty travelling due to flooded roadways.
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Despite the terrifying conditions, many Tennesseans did everything they could to help out their communities. Locals donated their boats to rescue efforts, assisted in clean up projects, and donated to support families who had lost their homes and possessions.
The final estimate was over $2.3 billion in damages throughout the state, making it one of the costliest floods in US history.
All told, the floods killed 21 people in Tennessee and an additional six in Mississippi and four in Kentucky, which also received flooding from the storm.
While you won't find signs of the flooding in the area any more, many people there still have memories of the devastation of the flooding and the strength of the community banding together in the aftermath. Nashville itself would not be the city it is today without the tireless relief work of the emergency responders and everyday citizens that pitched in to help the community.
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