Nashville Prepares for Potential Weather Impact from Hurricane Francine
Nashville, Tenn. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is keeping a close eye on the remnants of Hurricane Francine, which may bring notable changes to the Cumberland River Basin. With the weather being unpredictable, the Corps knows that managing water levels is a big deal, especially when it comes to preventing flooding.
Weather Monitoring
“When we start to see a hurricane or remnants like Francine coming up, we get our rainfall forecast,” explained David Bogema, the chief of water management at the Corps. His role involves ensuring the dams and reservoirs in the area can handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way. This week, forecasts suggest rain moving into the Cumberland River Basin, and the Corps is gearing up to manage any impacts on the river system.
How the System Works
According to Bogema, when heavy rain hits, they can hold back some of that water in large storage reservoirs, which helps reduce flooding downstream. This strategic management is vital during significant rainfall events. However, even if the rain totals aren’t as severe as first predicted, the team is cautious. “When Old Hickory gets an inch or two of rainfall and the runoff comes into it, we have to release that water because we don’t have flood storage in that project,” Bogema noted.
This scenario illustrates how important ongoing rain management is, as the project was not initially designed to manage the flood storage. During times of drought, the Corps offers an equally important service by releasing stored water to support various community needs, such as recreation and powering homes, while keeping vital navigation routes open for barges along the river.
Watch Out for Localized Flooding
Despite the Corps’ efforts, Bogema does caution that while general levels along the mainstem of the river systems may remain steady, localized flooding is still a possibility. “We’re looking at areas like Mill Creek and the Harpeth River, where there aren’t any dams to manage that water,” he said. This advice hits home for everyone who may be driving around town: “If you see water over a roadway, please turn around, don’t drown.” Safety is key, and being aware of your surroundings can make all the difference.
Community Preparedness
The Corps stays vigilant and proactive in monitoring conditions and communicating with residents to ensure everyone remains informed. As Nashville gears up for possible weather changes, communities are encouraged to stay prepared and be aware of updates from local authorities and neighborhoods.
Based on Bogema’s commentary, it’s clear that today’s proactive measures can significantly minimize risks down the road. When it comes to Nashville’s waterways, being informed and ready can help protect both people and property from the impacts of heavy rain and potential flooding. All we can do now is stay alert and take the necessary precautions as the remnants of Hurricane Francine approach the area.
