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4 dead after record rains in Nashville cause flash flooding

4 dead after record rains in Nashville cause flash flooding A car rests in a ravine along Blackman Dr. near Edmondson Pike Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Flash flooding along Sevenmile Creek the night before caused major damage in the South Nashville neighborhood. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP) (George Walker IV/AP)
(George Walker IV/AP)

NASHVILLE — A heavy downpour of rain across the state caused flash floods and led to the deaths of at least four people in Nashville and the rescue of dozens of others, officials said.

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Nashville recorded nearly 6 inches of rain Saturday night with another inch falling after midnight quickly filling streets and overrunning creeks and rivers. The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency overnight for Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and Mt. Juliet.

“Major flash flooding is occurring with numerous roads, interstates, and homes flooded with water rescues ongoing,” the agency said on social media. “Please stay home and do not travel!”

As the water receded Sunday, first responders were called at 5 a.m. to find a 70-year-old man dead inside a sedan that was in a creek behind a Walmart, WKRN reported.

Nashville Metro Police said a second flood victim was found around 7:30 a.m. near the Nashboro Village Golf Course. A 65-year-old man appeared to have drowned after being swept away by fast-moving water after he got out of his car when the vehicle crashed into a culvert, WKRN reported.

Police said a 46-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man were found dead around 9:30 a.m. near a homeless camp in a wooded area by the Wentworth-Caldwell Park.

The Nashville Fire Department said it rescued at least 130 people from cars, apartments and homes. About 40 dogs were moved from a Nashville boarding kennel to another location.

In Williamson County, 18 homes in one neighborhood were evacuated and first responders carried out 34 water rescues.

A portion of Interstate 40 was temporarily closed because of high water that stranded a vehicle and its driver. The driver was able to get out of the vehicle and get to safety, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.

More flooding is still forecast for two Tennessee rivers. The Harpeth River near Kingston Springs is expected to crest about 20 feet above flood stage on Sunday night, according to weather officials. The Duck River in Centerville is forecast to crest about 17 feet above flood stage Monday morning.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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