Flood advisory remains in effect in Middle Tennessee

Feb. 11--Middle Tennessee remains under an extended flood watch that is expected to be lifted at noon on Tuesday, but more storms are on the way.

Between Sunday night and Thursday morning, the National Weather Service forecasts two to three inches of rain in Clarksville, three to four inches in Nashville and four to six inches in the areas in and around Columbia, Tullahoma and Crossville.

"Sorry everyone, but we had to do it," the NWS tweeted Sunday "This is something nobody wants to hear right now, but a brand-new Flood Watch has been issued. ... We'll enjoy one more pleasant day today before it starts back up."

The department said flooding remains a possibility due to additional showers and the region's highly saturated soil.

"A slow moving cold front will bring an extended period of rain to the area, adding two to three inches. Flooding is very possible given amount of rain mid-state has experienced over past week," the service said in a weather update.

A hazardous weather outlook also remains in effect for the region as more rain and storms are expected throughout the week.

"A strong cold front will bring additional heavy rain to the mid-state Wednesday and Wednesday night," the service said in a recent notification. "In addition to the possibility of more flooding, there is also a slight risk of severe storms. Damaging straight-line winds are the primary threat."

In Maury County, emergency services continue to warn members of the public to remain cautious near floodwaters.

More than 6 inches of standing water or 4 inches of moving water can be damaging to most vehicles, according to The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), along with the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (FTAAAD).

"If you are in a flooded situation, if you don't know, don't go," Jeremy Finley, Columbia Fire and Rescue assistant chief previously told The Daily Herald.

"You don't know how deep that water is, you don't know what is in that water," Finley continued. "The biggest thing is just stay away from moving water when you don't know what is under it. Anytime you are going to be around water, have on a life vest and follow codes set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency."

Columbia Fire and Rescue recommends the following safety tips:

-- Never drive around barricades shutting down a roadway. Even when it appears safe, flooding may have caused an unseen safety problem with the roadway.

-- Do not drive through flooded areas, even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500-pound vehicle. Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles.

-- Roads concealed by water may not be intact.

-- Do not cross flowing streams of water on foot where water is above your ankles.

-- Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas.

-- Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize water danger in low light situations.

-- Monitor U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) or other weather reporting sources for updated information on flooding.

In February 2019 Columbia Fire and Rescue and the Columbia Police Department went door-to-door, asking resident in the Riverside neighborhood to begin evacuating their homes due to rising floodwaters in what authorities called an "extremely serious situation.

The evacuation areas consisted of an estimated 12 households.

Riverwalk Park was submerged by the rising banks of the Duck River. By Saturday afternoon, nearly the entire park was under floodwaters, washing away benches and engulfing portions of Riverside Drive, as waters crept toward roadside-stops The Rusty Duck and Rebel Bar and Grill.

TEMA and the FTAAAD suggest these precautions when preparing for a potential flood:

-- Maintain a disaster ready supply kit, which can include things like food, water, dry clothes, first-aid and a local map.

-- Have written instructions on procedures to turn off electricity, gas and water utilities.

-- Find out if your home is at risk for flooding by checking your homeowner's insurance policy regarding flood coverage.

-- Create an evacuation plan identifying potential safe spaces and routes for travel.

-- Store important documents, information and valuables in a safe-deposit box or a fireproof or waterproof container.

-- Have a radio with extra batteries in the home in case a cell phone gets damaged, wet or cell towers lose power due to weather.

-- Listen to updates on the radio, social media or local television news.

-- Be prepared to evacuate immediately if authorities issue an evacuation in your area.

-- If you drive your vehicle, move slow and be aware of potential engine damage.

-- Other cars stranded by the water are also a good indicator of a road's potential damage to your vehicle.

Note: Brett Kelman and Natalie Neysa Alund of The Tennessean contributed to this story.

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