An estimated 17 homes were heavily damaged by the rush of water in the community northwest of Columbia. NWS Nashville meteorologist Krissy Hurley told The Tennessean parts of Hickman County endured 11.66 inches of rain early Saturday. Lyles, also in Hickman County, experienced 9.05 inches, according to volunteers who help measure rainfall for the agency.
So far, the county has dodged deaths which, ravaged other parts of Middle Tennessee.
The rainstorm swept through the region, impacting Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties, causing at least 21 deaths and leaving dozens missing.
“There were many folks who were trapped in their homes and trapped in their cars,” said Jim Tanner, the director of Hickman County Emergency Management.
“We have families here that have lost a lot. Keep your thoughts and prayers with those who have lost their homes.”
The Lawrenceburg Fire Department, Brentwood Fire Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Department and Williamson County Emergency Management were dispatched to the community to assist with rescue operations and the recovery effort.
“Our responders have been out there working hard,” Tanner said. “Crews are working and teams are pushing.”
The river gauge on the Piney River at Vernon in Hickman County measured nearly 32 feet Saturday, shattering the record crest in 2019 by nearly 12 feet, the NWS reported.
The flooding led to the closure of several roads throughout the region, including a portion of Interstate 40 near mile marker 153 — near the Hickman County community of Bucksnort.
In the days that have followed the severe floods, Hickman County Emergency Management said it has witnessed a swell of donated food and supplies.
“Thank God we have this problem,” Tanner said. “We appreciate it very much.
“But we are right at the limit of what we can handle. If you want to donate, that is fantastic, but let’s just wait. Hold tight to those donations right now because we have so much stuff.”
Hickman County Emergency Management is currently operating a relief center — its storm shelter in Pinewood at the intersection of Highway 48 and Pinewood Road.
A relief center has also been established at Fairfield Church of Christ in Centerville.
On Tuesday, repairs began on roads damaged by the rising waters.
Defeated Creek Road was closed from Highway 100 to the Defeated Creek Church as workers began repairs.
The Meriweather Lewis Electric Cooperative estimated 750 residents remained without without power on Tuesday as crews continued to make repairs. Most operations returned to normal for Hickman, Houston, Lewis and Perry counties.
The company’s office and garage in Waverly was heavily damaged by flood waters.
“We draw strength from one another and continue to have everyone in our thoughts and prayers as we work as quickly and safely as possible,” said Keith Carnahan, president and CEO of the electric company.
“We understand the hurt that you are going through, and we are here to help in any way that we can. We are here to work day and night and make sure that power comes back to you.”
Brinley Hineman and Rachel Wegner contributed to this report.
Reach Mike Christen at mchristen@c-dh.net. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeChristenCDH and on Instagram @michaelmarco. Please consider supporting his work and that of other Daily Herald journalists by subscribing to the publication.
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