Flash Flooding and Flooding in Tennessee, March 27 to 28, 2021

Name: Flash Flooding and Flooding in Tennessee, March 27 to 28, 2021
Start: 2021-03-27T04:18
End: 2021-03-28T21:30
Location: Tennessee

March 27 to 28, 2021 · NWS OHX · 51 events in 18 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 7
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $24 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 51

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS OHX wrote it up.

An historic flash flooding event affected the central third of Middle Tennessee from the early morning hours on March 27 through the day into the early morning hours on March 28. A warm front moved northward into Middle Tennessee early on March 27 before stalling near the I-40 corridor. Between 300-400 AM CDT, numerous showers and thunderstorms developed along the warm front, many of which became severe and produced large hail up to half dollar size along with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Showers and storms continued off and on the rest of the day across Middle Tennessee, particularly near the stalled warm front. In fact, another round of severe thunderstorms including supercells developed during the afternoon and evening hours near and south of the warm front. These storms dropped large hail up to tennis ball size and caused a few reports of wind damage, but the main impact was additional heavy rainfall which began causing flash flooding south of Nashville. Flooding only worsened as showers and storms redeveloped over the same areas through the evening, with numerous Flash Flood Warnings issued and several reports of flooded roads and water rescues.

After midnight, even more heavy rainfall falling along the already waterlogged I-40 corridor prompted a rare Flash Flood Emergency for the southern and eastern Nashville metro area, including southeastern Davidson County, western Wilson County, and northern Williamson County. These areas received between 7 to 9 of rain, causing rapid rises on several Nashville metro creeks and streams, including Sevenmile Creek (which reached its highest level on record), Browns Creek, and Mill Creek, among others. Many of these creeks reached within their 2nd or 3rd highest water levels on record. The rapid water rises flooded hundreds of homes and businesses, with reports of some people trapped in the attics or on the roofs of their houses. Dozens of roadways were flooded and impassable, including both I-24 and I-40, with many cars submerged in the flood waters and people forced to cling onto trees to avoid getting swept away. Although the flood waters receded quickly on Sunday, March 28, many area rivers reached flood stage in the week after the event, including the Cumberland River, Harpeth River, and Duck River.

A total of 7 deaths were reported from the flooding across Middle Tennessee, with 5 in Davidson County, 1 in Cheatham County, and 1 in Maury County. Emergency management reports indicate over 500 homes and businesses were flooded, and a Presidential Disaster Proclamation was declared for many counties in May 2021. This flash flood event was the worst seen in Middle Tennessee since the May 1-2, 2010 flood.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Nashville, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 27, 1:46 AM CST, 2 hours 32 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 27, 1:46 AM CST, 2 hours 32 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Nashville TN
246 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

.DISCUSSION...

Some convection just now beginning to fire across nrn AL and nrn MS.
This is in response to a warm front which will be lifting northward
through the mid state today. Showers and thunderstorms will be
rapidly increasing over the next few hours with this activity
spreading northward and continuing into your Saturday.
Destabilization will be rather rapid with sfc based capes between
1000-1500 j-kg and LI values approaching -5C by 18Z. An examination
of upcoming lapse rates and mid level capes do support the
potential for some hail today, with perhaps the severe threshold
of 1 inch being surpassed. 850 mb wind speeds are not overly
impressive and the organized lift is somewhat sub-par. Helicities
are between 100-200, but the Hrrr does indicate a little
reflectivity wrapped signatures by afternoon. Overall looks like
some strong to severe storms with high winds and hail possible
with some cell rotation also possible. Storm direction looks like
from 250 deg at 40 mph or so.

Tonight, the slow approach of a strengthening frontal boundary will
provide well organized and strong forcing. However, phasing with the
better instability parameters is a little off with the instability
outrunning the forcing just a bit. Nevertheless, SPC has the entire
area in an enhanced risk. The threats will be damaging winds and
large hail but cannot rule out an isolated tornado or two. In
addition, flash flooding looks to be a big threat. For that reason,
the flash flood watch remains in effect. Latest storm total precip
shows 2-3 inches for most areas through tonight, with the bulk of
the heavy rainfall, of course, occurring overnight. localized 4 inch
amounts cannot be ruled out. Qpf gradients drop off rather markedly
to our north and south, but we are close enough to the event now
where we see the heavier rainfall is going to occur across our area.
Moving on, some shower activity will linger into your Sunday
morning. Clearing will commence in the afternoon.

For the near term temps, despite the clouds and rainfall, we will
see our temps warm into the lower 70s for today with humidities on
the upswing for sure. Cooler on Sunday and low temps will be in the
35 to 40 degree range by Monday morning.

In the ext fcst, a mid week frontal boundary will move through. The
feature looks weaker than our previous boundaries and instabilities
look marginal at best. Anyhow, shower chances return Tuesday and
Wednesday. It will be turning noticeably cooler on Wednesday and the
models are leaning toward slowly falling daytime temperatures.
Thursday and Friday are looking dry.

For our extended temps, it looks seasonal on Tuesday and then
turning colder Wednesday, as mentioned previously. Low temps for
Thursday through Saturday look like 30s.

Note that our growing season has begun and thus, the freeze warnings
and or frost advisories may begin to fly by late next week.

&&

.AVIATION...
06Z TAF DISCUSSION.

Poor flying conditions expected this TAF period as SHRA/TSRA
develop and affect all airports. No problems early this morning
with light winds and VFR conditions, but showers and storms will
rapidly develop and impact airports from 12Z onward with MVFR/IFR
conditions. Some improvement is possible this afternoon at
airports, before deteriorating again Saturday evening. Light
southeast winds early this morning will increase and become
southerly later today.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Nashville      73  57  63  38  66 /  80  90  60   0  10
Clarksville    73  52  60  35  63 /  30  90  20   0   0
Crossville     69  57  60  35  60 /  80  70  70   0  10
Columbia       75  59  64  37  66 /  80  80  60   0  10
Lawrenceburg   75  59  64  37  65 /  70  70  70   0  10
Waverly        73  53  62  36  64 /  50 100  30   0  10

&&

.OHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flash Flood Watch from 7 AM CDT this morning through Sunday
evening for Bedford-Cannon-Cheatham-Clay-Coffee-Cumberland-
Davidson-De Kalb-Dickson-Fentress-Giles-Grundy-Hickman-Houston-
Humphreys-Jackson-Lawrence-Lewis-Macon-Marshall-Maury-Montgomery-
Overton-Perry-Pickett-Putnam-Robertson-Rutherford-Smith-Stewart-
Sumner-Trousdale-Van Buren-Warren-Wayne-White-Williamson-Wilson.

&&

DISCUSSION......21
AVIATION........Shamburger

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 26, 6:11 PM CST, 10 hours 7 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Nashville TN
711 PM CDT Fri Mar 26 2021

TNZ005>011-023>034-056>066-075-077>080-093>095-271000-
Stewart-Montgomery-Robertson-Sumner-Macon-Clay-Pickett-Houston-
Humphreys-Dickson-Cheatham-Davidson-Wilson-Trousdale-Smith-Jackson-
Putnam-Overton-Fentress-Perry-Hickman-Lewis-Williamson-Maury-
Marshall-Rutherford-Cannon-De Kalb-White-Cumberland-Bedford-Coffee-
Warren-Grundy-Van Buren-Wayne-Lawrence-Giles-
711 PM CDT Fri Mar 26 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Middle Tennessee.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Some strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible late tonight for
locations generally south of I-40 and around and west of I-24.
Large hail will be primary threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Severe thunderstorms will be possible Saturday and Saturday night
across all of Middle Tennessee. Damaging winds, large hail, and
isolated tornadoes will all be possible. Multiple rounds of heavy
rainfall expected from mid morning hours on Saturday through at least
morning hours on Sunday. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches, with
locally higher amounts of 4 to 5 inches, expected on already
saturated ground conditions. Runoff impacts could last through
afternoon hours on Sunday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed. Please relay any
information about observed severe weather to the NWS while
following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.

Spotter Thunderstorm Reporting Criteria...
Tornado
Funnel Cloud
Flooding
Hail >= 1/2 Inch
Winds > 50 MPH (Measured)
Structural Damage
Trees or Power Lines Down

JB Wright

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 27, 3:23 AM CST, 55 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
423 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

TNZ024-056>058-060-271000-
Hickman TN-Lewis TN-Humphreys TN-Maury TN-Perry TN-
423 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR LEWIS...NORTHWESTERN MAURY...
PERRY...SOUTHWESTERN HUMPHREYS AND HICKMAN COUNTIES UNTIL 500 AM
CDT...

At 422 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Parsons to near Summertown. Movement was
northeast at 45 mph.

Pea to half inch size hail will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Hohenwald, Centerville, Linden, Mount Pleasant, Lobelville,
Gordonsburg, Kimmins, Primm Springs, Bucksnort, Santa Fe, Mousetail
Landing State Park, Hampshire, Pleasantville, Williamsport, Nunnelly
and I-40 Near The Tennessee River.

This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 136 and 152.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3566 8802 3572 8804 3577 8798 3583 8797
      3587 8794 3594 8793 3579 8703 3545 8731
      3546 8733 3546 8745 3542 8746 3546 8765
      3547 8765 3547 8769 3549 8773 3548 8781
      3552 8798 3562 8804
TIME...MOT...LOC 0922Z 226DEG 38KT 3561 8826 3546 8745

Shamburger

Special weather statement, Mar 27, 3:56 AM CST, 22 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
456 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

TNZ023>026-057-059-271045-
Hickman TN-Williamson TN-Dickson TN-Humphreys TN-Cheatham TN-
Houston TN-
456 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR DICKSON...NORTHWESTERN
WILLIAMSON...SOUTH CENTRAL CHEATHAM...EASTERN HOUSTON...HUMPHREYS AND
HICKMAN COUNTIES UNTIL 545 AM CDT...

At 456 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from New Johnsonville to near Centerville. Movement
was northeast at 45 mph.

Pea to half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible
with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Dickson, Waverly, Centerville, Erin, White Bluff, Kingston Springs,
Pegram, McEwen, Burns, Hurricane Mills, Fairview, Charlotte, Vanleer,
Slayden, Bon Aqua, Lyles, I-40 Near The Tennessee River, Bucksnort,
Pinewood and Nunnelly.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 40 between mile markers 136 and 191.
 Interstate 840 between mile markers 1 and 9.

LAT...LON 3590 8793 3594 8793 3635 8771 3618 8699
      3614 8700 3609 8704 3605 8705 3603 8705
      3572 8735 3580 8772 3584 8772 3584 8782
      3582 8782 3585 8795
TIME...MOT...LOC 0956Z 220DEG 40KT 3592 8793 3578 8740

Shamburger

Special weather statement, Mar 27, 3:59 AM CST, 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
459 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

TNZ056>058-271045-
Hickman TN-Lewis TN-Perry TN-
459 AM CDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN LEWIS...EASTERN
PERRY AND SOUTHERN HICKMAN COUNTIES UNTIL 545 AM CDT...

At 459 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southeast of Linden, moving northeast at 40 mph.

Pea to half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible
with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Hohenwald, Linden, Kimmins and Pleasantville.

LAT...LON 3580 8772 3572 8735 3570 8729 3566 8734
      3547 8767 3549 8773 3549 8777 3556 8790
TIME...MOT...LOC 0959Z 232DEG 34KT 3556 8772

Shamburger

The radar

The Nashville radar (KOHX), 110 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:19 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

27 hail, 19 flash flood, 3 flood, 1 thunderstorm wind, 1 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Hickman

When: March 27, 4:18 AM CST
Where: Hickman County, 1.78 mi WNW of Aetna
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.661, -87.549

Twitter photo of half dollar size hail on Arnold Road.

Hail, Cheatham

When: March 27, 4:58 AM CST
Where: Cheatham County, 2.29 mi SW of Pleasant View
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.375, -87.057

Trained spotter report of nickel size hail.

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 5:36 AM CST
Where: Williamson County, 4.99 mi NE of Mallorys
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.006, -86.744

Quarter size hail was reported at 9475 Smithson Lane.

Hail, Davidson

When: March 27, 5:48 AM CST
Where: Davidson County, 0.36 mi NNW of Rural Hill
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.075, -86.633

Quarter size hail was reported on Anderson Road.

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 6:08 AM CST
Where: Williamson County, Fairview
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.980, -87.120

Report of 0.75 hail in Fairview.

Hail, Wilson

When: March 27, 6:09 AM CST
Where: Wilson County, Lebanon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.220, -86.300

Quarter size hail was reported in Lebanon.

Hail, Wilson

When: March 27, 6:15 AM CST
Where: Wilson County, 2.34 mi E of Lebanon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 36.220, -86.258

A NWS employee reported quarter size hail just northeast of Lebanon.

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 6:33 AM CST
Where: Williamson County, Fairview
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.980, -87.120

Nickel size hail fell near Fairview.

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 7:05 AM CST
Where: Williamson County, Thompsons Station
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.800, -86.920

Flash Flood, Maury

When: March 27, 10:23 AM CST
Where: Maury County, 1.38 mi NE of Kedron to 1.41 mi NE of Kedron
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.712, -86.900

A few roads in Spring Hill were closed due to high water, including Tom Lunn Road at Port Royal Road and Rice Road at Derryberry Lane.

Flash Flood, Rutherford

When: March 27, 2:20 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Rutherford County, 0.7 mi NNW of Rockvale to 1 mi S of Murfreesboro
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.760, -86.552

Several roads were flooded and impassable in southwest Rutherford County, including areas around Rockvale where water rescues were conducted from vehicles, Armstrong Valley near Yeargan Road, and Barfield Road along the Stones River.

Flood, Maury

When: March 27, 2:27 PM CST
Where: Maury County, 0.25 mi NNE of Spring Hill to 0.49 mi NNE of Spring Hill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.753, -86.928

Portions of Duplex Road near Highway 31 were flooded.

Hail, Overton

When: March 27, 4:48 PM CST
Where: Overton County, Lovejoy
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.200, -85.170

Dime to penny size hail was reported in Lovejoy.

Hail, Fentress

When: March 27, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Fentress County, Clarkrange
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.180, -85.020

Hail, Maury

When: March 27, 5:41 PM CST
Where: Maury County, Columbia
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.620, -87.050

Thunderstorm Wind, Maury

When: March 27, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Maury County, 1.69 mi SW of Spring Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.734, -86.953

Photo and report showed 5 power poles snapped in Spring Hill on Highway 31 S near Saturn Parkway.

Hail, Maury

When: March 27, 5:52 PM CST
Where: Maury County, Spring Hill
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.750, -86.930

Hail, Maury

When: March 27, 5:52 PM CST
Where: Maury County, 3 mi SE of Spring Hill
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.719, -86.892

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 5:53 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 1.05 mi NW of Bethesda
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.782, -86.812

Reported on Reed Road in Bethesda.

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 2.32 mi W of Duplex
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.753, -86.891

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 5:56 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, Bethesda
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.770, -86.800

Hail, Williamson

When: March 27, 6:03 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, College Grove
Measured: 2.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.780, -86.680

Hail, Marshall

When: March 27, 6:04 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 7 mi NW of Chapel Hill
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.702, -86.788

Hail, Rutherford

When: March 27, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Rutherford County, Eagleville
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.750, -86.650

Flash Flood, Maury

When: March 27, 6:07 PM CST to 7:09 PM CST
Where: Maury County, 0.47 mi ENE of Bethel to 0.78 mi SSE of Spring Hill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $335,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.803, -87.113

Significant flash flooding affected far northern Maury County. A woman attempting to clear debris blocking a drainage culvert on her property at 6415 Leipers Creek Road was swept through the culvert and drowned. Several roads were flooded and closed, including Fairview Road at Les Robinson Road west of Spring Hill, and Duplex Road between Highway 31 and Miles Johnson Parkway in Spring Hill. Flood waters also reportedly covered the parking lot of Walmart in Spring Hill on Highway 31.

Hail, Rutherford

When: March 27, 6:24 PM CST
Where: Rutherford County, 2.41 mi NNE of Plainview
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.730, -86.348

Measured 1.25 hail on Buzzard Branch Drive in Christiana.

Hail, Coffee

When: March 27, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Coffee County, Beech Grove
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.630, -86.250

Flash Flood, Hickman

When: March 27, 6:51 PM CST
Where: Hickman County, 1.58 mi NW of Aetna to 1.82 mi SSE of Hornertown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.665, -87.542

Several roads were flooded and closed across Hickman County including Brushy Road near Arnold Road and Highway 100 West.

Hail, Cannon

When: March 27, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Cannon County, 2.34 mi NNE of Sheybogan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.780, -86.051

Quarter size hail reported on Highway 53 in southern Cannon County.

Hail, Cannon

When: March 27, 7:07 PM CST
Where: Cannon County, 2.36 mi NNE of Sheybogan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 35.780, -86.050

Dime to quarter size hail reported in Woodbury.

Flood, Rutherford

When: March 27, 7:19 PM CST
Where: Rutherford County, 1.78 mi SW of Overall to 2.12 mi SW of Murfreesboro Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.799, -86.499

Street flooding was reported on several roads in Murfreesboro including East Overall Creek Road at New Salem Highway, Saint Andrews Drive at Genoa Drive, Molloy Lane at Bridge Avenue, and Heritage Park Drive at Ward Drive.

Hail, Cannon

When: March 27, 7:32 PM CST
Where: Cannon County, Hollow Spgs
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.680, -86.130

Social media report of ping pong size hail near Hollow Springs.

Hail, Perry

When: March 27, 8:15 PM CST
Where: Perry County, Lobelville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.780, -87.750

Flash Flood, White

When: March 27, 8:20 PM CST to 9:31 PM CST
Where: White County, 1.53 mi E of Cummings to 2.24 mi ENE of Hensleys Chapel
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.877, -85.423

A few roads were flooded across Sparta including Skyline Drive and Hickory Valley Road. Southeast of Sparta, two to three feet of water covered Lost Creek Road.

Flash Flood, Cannon

When: March 27, 8:22 PM CST to 9:42 PM CST
Where: Cannon County, 1.07 mi ESE of Gassaway to 2.31 mi SE of Gassaway
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $92,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.926, -85.982

Flash flooding affected far northern Cannon County, with several roads flooded and closed and water rescues conducted. Roads that were flooded included Gassaway Road, Ashford Hollow Road, and Marshall Creek Road. A water rescue was conducted for a person stranded in a flooded vehicle in the 700 block of Asford Hollow Road, and two other water rescues were performed from vehicles trapped in the 700 block of Marshall Creek Road.

Flash Flood, Cheatham

When: March 27, 8:55 PM CST to 9:09 PM CST
Where: Cheatham County, 0.76 mi W of Kingston Spgs to 0.89 mi ESE of Kingston Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $214,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.099, -87.134

Several roads were flooded across southern Cheatham County, including West Kingston Springs Road, and Highway 70 at Pinnacle Hill Road.

Flash Flood, Dickson

When: March 27, 9:13 PM CST
Where: Dickson County, 0.81 mi SW of White Bluff to 0.65 mi SSW of White Bluff
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.111, -87.229

Several roads were flooded across the county.

Flash Flood, Putnam

When: March 27, 9:25 PM CST
Where: Putnam County, 1.81 mi WNW of Cookeville to 0.87 mi WNW of Wilhite
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 36.184, -85.528

Several roads were flooded across Cookeville.

Flash Flood, Davidson

When: March 27, 9:55 PM CST to March 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Davidson County, 0.26 mi NW of Stone River to 1.55 mi NNW of Una
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $20 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.183, -86.603

Major and historic flash flooding affected southern and eastern Davidson County, with the worst flooding affecting areas along and near Sevenmile Creek and Mill Creek in south Nashville. Hundreds of homes and businesses were flooded, numerous roadways were flooded and closed including I-24, I-40, and I-440, and over 130 water rescues were conducted from people stranded in flooded vehicles and homes. Homes and businesses that were flooded included a hotel at 95 Wallace Road near I-24 at Harding Place, the South Brooke Apartments on Linbar Drive, many homes around Edmondson Pike at Blackman Road, the Walmart on Nolensville Pike at Harding Place with vehicles in the parking lot submerged up to their windows, a home on Truxton Court in Donelson, and the Kroger on Old Hickory Blvd in Hermitage which also had cars stalled in flood waters in the parking lot. Residents were trapped and rescued from the second stories of homes on Paragon Mills Road, and the attics of homes on Currey Road and also on Suter Drive near Edmondson Pike. Other people were rescued clinging to trees or in flood waters in the 400 block of Hogan Road, on Milner Drive, and in the 400 block of Harding Place. Interstate 24 near Antioch Pike was submerged with many vehicles stranded and around one dozen drivers rescued, and Interstate 40 and Interstate 440 were also flooded in a few areas. Other roads that were flooded and impassable included Rosa Parks Blvd near the Farmers Market, Highway 70 near White Bridge Road, Dodson Chapel Road, Tulip Grove Road, and Chandler Road. A total of 5 people were killed, 3 of which were swept away from a homeless camp along Sevenmile Creek near Edmondson Pike at Nolensville Pike. Another man drowned when he left his submerged vehicle and was swept away near the Nashboro Village Golf Course at Nashboro Blvd at Flintlock Court, and another man drowned in his vehicle behind the Walmart near Harding Place at Nolensville Pike.

Flash Flood, Hickman

When: March 27, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Hickman County, 2.78 mi E of Nunnelly to 2.78 mi S of Tidwell
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 35.873, -87.430

Flash flooding washed away portions of Old Mill Creek Road near Nunnelly and destroyed two bridges on Old Hadley School Road near Bon Aqua.

Flash Flood, Williamson

When: March 27, 10:29 PM CST to 11:25 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 0.93 mi ENE of Clovercroft to 1.38 mi NNW of Nolensville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.937, -86.766

Major flash flooding affected northern Williamson County, with many roadways flooded and closed, many homes and businesses flooded, and numerous water rescues conducted from vehicles and homes. Roads were flooded and closed and homes were flooded around Harpeth River Drive and Granny White Pike at Belle Rive Drive in Brentwood, the Fieldstone Farms and the Meadowgreen Acres subdivisions on Hillsboro Road in Franklin. A river gauge on the Little Harpeth River at Granny White Pike crested at 16.20 feet at 135 am CDT.

Flash Flood, Wilson

When: March 27, 10:49 PM CST to 11:15 PM CST
Where: Wilson County, 2.35 mi SSW of Silver Spgs to 2.7 mi NW of Beckwith
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.168, -86.465

Numerous roads were flooded and closed across Mount Juliet, including Belinda Parkway which was flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood, Fentress

When: March 27, 10:53 PM CST
Where: Fentress County, 1.28 mi WSW of Jamestown to 1.06 mi SW of Pine Haven
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $76,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.422, -84.941

Several roads were flooded in Jamestown and across Fentress County.

Hail, Wilson

When: March 27, 10:54 PM CST
Where: Wilson County, Tuckers Xrds
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.200, -86.180

Flash Flood, Dickson

When: March 27, 11:40 PM CST to March 28, 12:07 AM CST
Where: Dickson County, 1 mi SW of Oak Grove to 0.69 mi SSW of Sylvia
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.989, -87.492

Numerous roads were flooded and closed across the county, including I-40 at mile marker 178, South Bear Creek, Hogan Road at Porter Road, Double Branch Road, and Highway 48 N at R Owen Road.

Flash Flood, Jackson

When: March 28, 12:11 AM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.67 mi NNW of Gainesboro to 0.6 mi NW of Gainesboro
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $425,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.358, -85.657

Several roads were flooded and closed across the county, including Ash Lane near the Jackson County 911/EMA office in Gainesboro.

Flash Flood, Clay

When: March 28, 12:20 AM CST
Where: Clay County, Celina to 3.39 mi SSE of Baptist Ridge
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $239,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.550, -85.500

Numerous roads were flooded across Clay County, including Wet Mill Creek Road, Pitcock Lane, Kyle Street at West Lake Avenue, Williamson Street, Poor House Road, Free Hill River Road, Arcott Road, Turkey Creek Road, New Hope Road, Finus Cherry Road, Trace Creek Road, Leonard Road, Luther Pedigo Road, and Mack Bean Road.

Flash Flood, Wilson

When: March 28, 2:07 AM CST to 2:19 AM CST
Where: Wilson County, 2.93 mi NNW of Suggs Creek to 2.59 mi W of Mt Juliet
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.157, -86.525

Major flash flooding affected Mount Juliet, with most roadways flooded and closed, numerous water rescues conducted from vehicles and homes, and many homes and businesses flooded. Homes were flooded on Creedwood Drive and West Division Street with people rescued. The Valley Center Mall shopping center on Mount Juliet Road at Old Lebanon Dirt Road was also flooded.

Heavy Rain, Wilson

When: March 28, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Wilson County, 0.73 mi S of Mt Juliet
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 36.190, -86.519

A NWS employee measured 7.02 of rain in Mount Juliet from Saturday morning March 27 through 330am CDT on Sunday March 28 with rain still falling.

Flash Flood, Wilson

When: March 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Wilson County, 1.41 mi NE of Mt Juliet to 1.49 mi NE of Mt Juliet
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.212, -86.500

A bridge over Cedar Creek on Woodridge Place near Clemmons Road was damaged by flood waters and closed.

Flood, Cheatham

When: March 28, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Cheatham County, 1.15 mi NW of Sulphur Spgs to 1.17 mi NW of Sulphur Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.264, -87.062

A man drowned in his vehicle after driving around high water barricades into flood waters on Tennessee Waltz Parkway near Highway 12 in Ashland City.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Flash Flood, Maury	2021-03-27	46	Female	Outside/Open Areas	Direct
Flash Flood, Davidson	2021-03-27	64	Male	Outside/Open Areas	Direct
Flash Flood, Davidson	2021-03-27	46	Female	Outside/Open Areas	Direct
Flash Flood, Davidson	2021-03-27		Male	Outside/Open Areas	Direct
Flash Flood, Davidson	2021-03-27	70	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
Flash Flood, Davidson	2021-03-27	65	Male	Outside/Open Areas	Direct
Flood, Cheatham	2021-03-28	65	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Tennessee in 2021 Every state in 2021 This day in weather history Warnings in Tennessee, March 2021

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 950548, 950549, 950550, 950551, 950552, 950554, 950555, 950556, 950557, 951887, 951889, 951888, 950558, 950559, 950560, 950576, 950561, 950562, 950563, 950564, 950565, 950566, 950567, 950568, 951891, 950569, 950570, 951901, 950571, 950572, 951890, 950573, 950574, 951904, 951903, 951911, 951906, 951905, 951956, 951945, and more.