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.

Flash Flood in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:07:00 to 27-MAR-21 19:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: BETHEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 334.90K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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.

Heavy Rain in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 02:30:00 to 28-MAR-21 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT JULIET
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

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.

Hail in HICKMAN, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 04:18:00 to 27-MAR-21 04:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: AETNA
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Twitter photo of half dollar size hail on Arnold Road.

Hail in CHEATHAM, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 04:58:00 to 27-MAR-21 04:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT VIEW
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter report of nickel size hail.

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 05:36:00 to 27-MAR-21 05:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: MALLORYS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Quarter size hail was reported at 9475 Smithson Lane.

Hail in DAVIDSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 05:48:00 to 27-MAR-21 05:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: RURAL HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Quarter size hail was reported on Anderson Road.

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 06:08:00 to 27-MAR-21 06:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAIRVIEW
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report of 0.75 hail in Fairview.

Hail in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 06:09:00 to 27-MAR-21 06:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEBANON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail was reported in Lebanon.

Hail in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 06:15:00 to 27-MAR-21 06:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEBANON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

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

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 06:33:00 to 27-MAR-21 06:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAIRVIEW
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Nickel size hail fell near Fairview.

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 07:05:00 to 27-MAR-21 07:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: THOMPSONS STATION
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in FENTRESS, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:05:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARKRANGE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:41:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLUMBIA
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:52:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRING HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:52:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRING HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:53:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: BETHESDA
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Reported on Reed Road in Bethesda.

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:55:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUPLEX
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:56:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: BETHESDA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:03:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLEGE GROVE
Magnitude: 2.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in MARSHALL, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:04:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHAPEL HILL
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in RUTHERFORD, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:05:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAGLEVILLE
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in RUTHERFORD, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:24:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLAINVIEW
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Measured 1.25 hail on Buzzard Branch Drive in Christiana.

Hail in COFFEE, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:40:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEECH GROVE
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in CANNON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 19:05:00 to 27-MAR-21 19:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHEYBOGAN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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

Hail in CANNON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 19:32:00 to 27-MAR-21 19:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLLOW SPGS
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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

Hail in PERRY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 20:15:00 to 27-MAR-21 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOBELVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 22:54:00 to 27-MAR-21 22:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: TUCKERS XRDS
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 17:45:00 to 27-MAR-21 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRING HILL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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

Flood in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 14:27:00 to 27-MAR-21 14:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRING HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Portions of Duplex Road near Highway 31 were flooded.

Flash Flood in RUTHERFORD, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 14:20:00 to 27-MAR-21 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKVALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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 in RUTHERFORD, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 19:19:00 to 27-MAR-21 19:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: OVERALL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

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.

Flash Flood in HICKMAN, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 18:51:00 to 27-MAR-21 18:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: AETNA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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

Flash Flood in CANNON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 20:22:00 to 27-MAR-21 21:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: GASSAWAY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 91.94K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

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.

Hail in CANNON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 19:07:00 to 27-MAR-21 19:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHEYBOGAN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dime to quarter size hail reported in Woodbury.

Flash Flood in WHITE, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 20:20:00 to 27-MAR-21 21:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMINGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

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 in PUTNAM, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 21:25:00 to 27-MAR-21 21:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: COOKEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several roads were flooded across Cookeville.

Flash Flood in DICKSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 23:40:00 to 28-MAR-21 00:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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 in FENTRESS, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 22:53:00 to 27-MAR-21 22:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: JAMESTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 76.25K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several roads were flooded in Jamestown and across Fentress County.

Flash Flood in CLAY, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 00:20:00 to 28-MAR-21 00:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CELINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 238.64K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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 in CHEATHAM, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 20:55:00 to 27-MAR-21 21:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: KINGSTON SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 213.72K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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

Flash Flood in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 22:49:00 to 27-MAR-21 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: SILVER SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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

Flash Flood in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 02:07:00 to 28-MAR-21 02:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: SUGGS CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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.

Flash Flood in WILSON, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 04:00:00 to 28-MAR-21 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT JULIET
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

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

Flash Flood in WILLIAMSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 22:29:00 to 27-MAR-21 23:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLOVERCROFT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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.

Flood in CHEATHAM, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 21:30:00 to 28-MAR-21 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SULPHUR SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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.

Flash Flood in JACKSON, TENNESSEE
From 28-MAR-21 00:11:00 to 28-MAR-21 00:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: GAINESBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 424.63K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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

Flash Flood in DAVIDSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 21:55:00 to 28-MAR-21 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: STONE RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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 in HICKMAN, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 22:00:00 to 27-MAR-21 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NUNNELLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

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 in MAURY, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 10:23:00 to 27-MAR-21 10:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEDRON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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 in DICKSON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 21:13:00 to 27-MAR-21 21:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITE BLUFF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several roads were flooded across the county.

Hail in OVERTON, TENNESSEE
From 27-MAR-21 16:48:00 to 27-MAR-21 16:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOVEJOY
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Dime to penny size hail was reported in Lovejoy.