Cumberland River reaches record level and continues to rise, threatening downtown Nashville

Cumberland at record level, threatens Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Cumberland River has reached its highest level since an early 1960s flood control project was built and is continuing to rise, threatening portions of downtown Nashville.

The National Weather Service says the river is expected to reach its crest sometime early Monday.

The forecast calls for a crest of 50 feet, about 10 feet above flood stage. That would lead to some flooding near Nashville’s downtown tourism industry, the train depot and near LP Field, where the Tennessee Titans play.

Authorities have evacuated residents there and in the MetroCenter area where a leaky levee threatens 500 residents and about 150 businesses. Authorities on Sunday moved 1,500 people from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to a nearby high school.

At least 15 people have died after severe thunderstorms ripped across Tennessee and northern Mississippi this weekend.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Cumberland River has reached its highest level since an early 1960s flood control project was built and is continuing to rise, threatening portions of downtown Nashville.

The National Weather Service says the river is expected to reach its crest sometime early Monday.

The forecast calls for a crest of 50 feet, about 10 feet above flood stage. That would lead to some flooding near Nashville’s downtown tourism industry, the train depot and near LP Field, where the Tennessee Titans play.

Authorities have evacuated residents there and in the MetroCenter area where a leaky levee threatens 500 residents and about 150 businesses.

The previous record was 47.6 feet.

At least 15 people have died after severe thunderstorms ripped across Tennessee and northern Mississippi this weekend.