A massive flood watch has been issued for several local counties as heavy, excessive rainfall threatens to overwhelm the region from Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening.

Meteorologists warn that up to 3 to 4 inches of additional rainfall is expected over the weekend. Because recent storms have already left local soils completely saturated, the ground will be unable to absorb the incoming deluge, dramatically increasing the risk of flash flooding and rapid runoff.

Residents in the following areas should remain highly vigilant:

• Cumberland, Davidson, De Kalb, Dickson, and Fentress
• Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, and Coffee
• Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys
• Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, and Marshall
• Maury, Montgomery, Overton, Perry, and Pickett
• Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, and Stewart
• Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, and Wayne
• White, Williamson, and Wilson

Excessive runoff is expected to cause rivers, creeks, and streams to overflow their banks. Low-lying, flood-prone, urban, and poor-drainage areas are at the highest risk of experiencing dangerous water accumulation.

Safety Notice: Local officials urge drivers never to navigate through flooded roadways. For comprehensive flood safety guidelines and real-time updates, visit weather.gov/safety/flood.