All streams within Metro Nashville are subject to flooding and backwater flooding can be significant. Those living within or near a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are at highest risk, but you do not have to be in a SFHA to flood. We encourage all Davidson County residents to know their flood risk and take proper steps to protect to life and property.
During periods of heavy rain it is important that you know your flood hazard risks and take proper flood safety precautions in case of potential flooding. The National Weather Service will post flash flood warnings or watches when the conditions are present.
Know the terms used to describe flooding.
- Flood Watch – flooding is possible
- Flood Warning – flooding is occurring or will occur soon
Keep alert to rising waters in the streams in your area.
Tune in.
- Local radio stations – WSM (AM 650)
- Local television channels – ABC 2 (WKRN), NBC 4 (WSMV), News Channel 5 (WTVF), and Fox 17 (WZTV)
- All hazards NOAA Weather Radios (NWR) are available for purchase in local electronic retail or department stores and provide access to the NOAA Weather Radio System.
NERVE
Should a thunderstorm threaten Metro Nashville-Davidson County, the Nashville Emergency Response Viewing Engine (NERVE) presents real-time information about road closures, school closings, locations of emergency shelters, food and water distribution centers, and Disaster Assistance Centers. NERVE is smartphone and mobile device ready.
Gages in Nashville-Davidson County
View gages in the Cumberland River and it's tributaries
National Flood Insurance Program
Nashville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. For this program, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) produced by FEMA are used to determine each property's flood hazard. The current flood maps are searchable on FEMA's website.
For more information on flood insurance, view our Flood Insurance Fact Sheet.
Property owners can create an NFIP flood insurance quote based on a home's address and simple characteristics of the home through FEMA's DIY Quoting Tool. Learn more at NFIP Quoting Tool.
Assistance for lenders, realtors, and insurance agents
Metro Water Services can provide assistance with flood insurance forms and interpreting flood insurance rate maps. Download our National Flood Insurance Program flyer for more information.