Nashville, TN., May 1, 2010~

The rains keep falling; seems that it refuses to let up.  If this keeps up, there will, more than likely, be some major flooding.  The Cumberland River is rising steadily; there may be some heavy flooding in the Nashville metro area in just a few mere hours.

I dread to think about what may happen:  homes and businesses filling up with water, people being trapped in their cars or homes, people driving in flood waters ("turn around, don't drown!"), people desperately trying to save their businesses, homes, and prized possessions. 

"Tornado Joe" Dorman here.  I came here with a team of chasers when we heard that the SPC (Storm Prediction Center) issued a "high risk" of svr storms, including the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging, downburst winds.  Seems that their prediction is coming true :  all day long the Nashville (and surrounding) area has been in a svr wx threat; the tornado sirens have blared on and off all day.  I am hoping people took the necessary precautions by taking refuge in their basements or shelters; if they don't have either, I pray they got to a center room, away from any windows, or at least in their bathtubs, with a mattress pulled over their heads.

It's really bad here, folks.  I have never seen so much water falling in all my born days.  I have been in some "frog stranglers", but nothing to this extent.  It must be raining at least two to three inches per hour, and the lightning/thunder is nearly continuous.  The rivers are filling up fast, and the roads might be following suit.

I dread to think that the tourist industry might be hit hard in the belt if the Cumberland River spills over her banks; it may look like a distinct possibility.  I pray the Grand Ole Opry or other hot tourist spots aren't affected, but deep down, I know they might.  It is raining to beat the band; I suddenly feel like Noah being on his ark, where it rained for forty days and forty nights.

Sorry to cut this short, but the tor sirens are wailing again; have to get to shelter quickly.  The sky is looking mighty ominous, and even though it is only three in the afternoon, it looks more like ten o'clock at night:  that's how dark it's gotten, and the rain continues to pour down, hard.  Say a quick prayer; pray this is all over soon, and pray there isn't too much in the way of damage (or loss of life) ...

*to be continued.*