These 11 Photos Show Just How Devastating The Tennessee Flood Of 2010 Really Was
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Meghan Kraft
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The Nashville Flood of 2010 has gone down in Tennessee history as one of the most horrific and expensive natural disasters in the state. It caught a city by surprise and sent the community spinning after a torrential downpour in May of 2010. These photographs depict just how devastating the Tennessee Flood of 2010 actually was, having occurred an entire decade ago next spring.
The 2010 Tennessee floods are officially dated from May 1st to May 7th, with torrential downpours affecting south-central Kentucky as well as Northern Mississippi from May 1st to May 2nd. Nashville as a city took the brunt of the storm in Middle Tennessee.
Known colloquially as the "1,000-year flood," the two-day rain totals came to 19-inches. Flooding, however, continued for days afterward.
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The Cumberland River itself crested at almost 52 feet, the highest level since 1937.
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Record highs were recorded not only on the Cumberland, but the Duck River, Harpeth River, and Red River.
Thirty counties in the state of Tennessee were declared major disaster areas, making almost 31% of the state a disaster area. Schools were closed for over a week, roads were severely damaged and businesses shuttered, some for good.
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Nashville itself was affected by a May 1st flash flood. Devastating flooding occurred in the famed Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, Bridgestone Arena and LP Field.
As you can see, here.
In an outpouring of support, $14 million dollars were raised by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help out those affected by the flooding. The benefit concert, "Nashville Rising," raised over $2.2 million for flood relief. Taylor Swift alone donated half a million dollars to help out her adopted hometown.
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Even now, years later, the flooding of 2010 is still considered one of the most intense natural disasters in the area.
It's a dark spot on the state's history, something the locals will never forget.
Still, Tennessee stands and stood together. One community, one home.
Looking to experience something a bit more lighthearted? Definitely check out this incredible underground waterfall here in the heart of Tennessee! It’s pretty unbelievable.
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