Flooding expected this week in Middle TN

Feb. 19--Maury County residents are encouraged to prepare for heavy rain that's about to hit Middle Tennessee this week, taking precautions against potential flooding and other rainwater damage.

Last weekend's rainfall left the ground saturated, with creeks and rivers at higher than normal levels and leaving parts of the community at high risk for flooding if another major storm were to hit.

According to the National Weather Service, the region is expected to receive up to 5 inches of rain this week, with Columbia identified as one of the areas most prone to potential flooding. Two main blasts of rain are expected to hit mid-week, the first starting Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. The second is expected to hit sometime over the weekend.

Meteorologists say light to moderate rain will begin around noon and will not stop until Wednesday night. No flooding is expected Tuesday, but a heavier band is expected to come in with Wednesday's rain, increasing the flood threat level.

Some showers could occur Thursday and Friday, but the next round of intense rainfall is possible later in the weekend. The total rainfall accumulation from the two blasts is expected to bring a potential storm of up to 6 inches in some areas.

Emergency personnel are encouraging local residents to take precautions to prepare for potential flood waters. More than 6 inches of standing water or four 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).

TEMA and the FTAAAD suggest people take 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.

If a flash flood warning were to occur, TEMA and the FTAAAD suggest readers do the following: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.

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