The record-breaking rains that struck the Tennessee Valley region in May of 2010 were predicted to have caused over a billion dollars in damages, but in a service assessment just released by the National Weather Service those estimates have increased significantly. According to findings in the report, the property damage estimates for the Greater Nashville area alone exceed $2 billion.

Western and Middle Tennessee were hit the hardest, with 18 to 20 inches in rainfall just outside of Nashville. It was that heavy rain that caused flash flooding, as well as unprecedented flooding along the Cumberland River. Residents of the affected areas lost their homes and belongings, and 26 people lost their lives.

VIDEO: Claims Scene: Nashville Flood Damage 2010

Following the catastrophic flood events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service sent a team of experts to assess the department's performance before and during the flooding. While there was a huge response effort in place by multiple organizations, the assessment reveals that many residents felt that they had "no warning," and there was a lack of communication between various departments. The report will be used as a learning tool, in hopes that the departments can determine where problems lie, and how they can better protect life and property from damage in the future.

Special Reports /

Tennessee Flood Damage Estimates Double

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