Early risers in Nashville and surrounding counties faced a chaotic morning as flash floods took center stage, following overnight thunderstorms that unloaded buckets and caused rivers to swell—prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the region. The warning, extending until 8 a.m. CDT, spotlights areas including Nashville, Lebanon, and Gallatin, urging residents to beware of potentially hazardous conditions.

The deluge, pouring as much as 5 to 7 inches of rain, led to waterlogged streets and overflowing creeks; the radar-confirmed torrents became the culprits of "flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas," according to the NWS. Traffic in the metro area slowed to a crawl with parts of downtown transformed into impromptu rivers, and stranded vehicles began peppering the roads—city officials are advising folks to hunker down and steer clear of the soggy mess.

Amid the mayhem, the Cumberland River, too, began to surge, with current levels poised to reach heights not seen in some time. The ongoing situation has prompted the NWS to issue a flood advisory for the river at Nashville. Sightseers usually flocking to the riverfront's recreational hotspots are in for a disappointment as the water is predicted to cover most of the area, including that near Nissan Stadium with a crest of 35.7 feet expected this evening.

As Nashville braces itself, weather forecasts predict a brief respite today with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 85, though the city's not out of the woods yet: more rain is on the horizon with showers and thunderstorms likely early next week, "Showers and thunderstorms likely, mostly cloudy, with a high near 78; chance of precipitation is 70%," the NWS bulletin signals, arriving with another bout of weather-related woes. For now, locals are left grappling with the aftermath of the night's onslaught as they wait, watch, and wish for clearer skies ahead.