NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Gray, cloudy skies and near-daily rain have dominated May in Nashville, and the impact is being felt across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, this is the wettest May since the devastating 2010 floods, with significant rainfall totals already recorded.
“We’ve recorded 8.49 inches of rain this month at the airport,” said Mark Rose, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville. “That makes this the seventh-wettest May on record — with records going back to 1871.”
In addition to historic rainfall, Middle Tennessee has experienced 21 tornadoes so far this year, Rose said.
The unusually wet weather has caused widespread issues for homeowners, roadways and small businesses. Lawn care companies such as Rescue 5 say they’ve been busier than normal, and many residents are dealing with cleanup from flood damage.
Rose emphasized that while this May hasn’t matched the scale of the 2010 flood disaster, the effects are still significant.
“The flooding damage in 2010 was very widespread,” he said. “The damage this month has been much more storm-related and flood-related.”
With more rain in the forecast, Rose warned there is still a risk for flash flooding due to saturated ground.
“It’s not severe storms we’re worried about over the next few days,” he said. “It’s ordinary thunderstorms that drop heavy rain for 20 to 30 minutes that could lead to flash flooding.”
While the rain may ease heading into June, Rose said extreme summer heat will likely take its place.
So far this year, Nashville has recorded 31.48 inches of rainfall.
Have you experienced flooding or storm damage this May? Share your photos and stories with us to help document this historic rainfall season. Contact Aaron directly at aaron.cantrell@NewsChannel5.com
This story was reported by Aaron Cantrell and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Aaron and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Happy Birthday to the YMCA of Middle TN. They just celebrated their 150th anniversary! A lot has changed with the Y over the years. I have personally seen some of that firsthand when I was a long-time board member at the Northwest Family Y and part of their Black Achievers Program. Forrest Sanders has a look back.
- Lelan Statom
