-----IMPORTANT VOTING CHANGE --------

THE ELECTION COMMITTEE HAS VOTED TO CHANGE THE ORIGINAL VOTING DATE FROM MAY 4TH (DUE TO SITUATION CREATED BY THE STORMS) NOW TO MAY 18TH.

FURTHER INFORMATION TO COME......

County-by-county roundup

COUNTY ROUNDUP OF DAMAGE DAVIDSON • Five deaths reported as of Sunday night, and two men missing. • Six hundred water rescues. • A levee near Mainstream Drive in MetroCenter began leaking and the city began evacuating more than 500 residents and 150 businesses in the area. • The city shut down K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plant and urged Davidson County residents to use water only for essential purposes. • Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, on the banks of the Cumberland River, evacuated guests. Police evacuated First Avenue in downtown Nashville. • More than 50 roads closed Sunday. • 36,000 people without power; Nashville Electric Service estimated two to three days to recover. • Three shelters set up: Lipscomb University, Gordon Jewish Community Center near Bellevue, and Bellevue Middle School. • Low water pressure in some communities. • Some downtown parking lots under 4 feet of water. • Southwest Airlines canceled all flights in and out of Nashville after 3 p.m., mainly because of dangers getting to and from airport.

Important Telephone Numbers

Tennessean Here are telephone numbers to file claims with some of the largest home insurers in Tennessee. • State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., 1-800-732-5246 • Farm Bureau Insurance, 1-800-836-6327 • Allstate Insurance Co., 1-800-767-7619 • Nationwide Insurance Co., 1-800-421-3535 • Traveler’s Insurance Co., 1-800-252-4633 • Farmers Insurance Group 1-800-435-7764 • USAA (United Services Auto Association), 1-800-531-8111 • Foremost Insurance Co., 1-800-527-3907 Here are tips about from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance on interacting with insurance companies. • Locate a copy of your policy and read through it. • Contact your insurance carrier or your agent as soon as possible after damage. • Make a thorough inventory of all missing or damaged items. • Take pictures inside and out for documentation before repairs are made. • Secure and protect your property against further rain or other damage without making permanent repairs, so an adjustor can see the full extent of damage. • Keep receipts for any expenses required to protect your property from further damage. • Follow the claims-filing procedure set forth in your policy. If there is a dispute, follow the company’s dispute process. • Settlement offers from insurers can be negotiated. You don’t have to take the first offer. • If you have issues with an insurance company, call the Department of Commerce and Insurance at 1-800-342-4029. • Avoid unscrupulous, unlicensed contractors who take advantage of homeowners anxious to rebuild after disasters by hiring only licensed contractors. Consumers may verify a license status by calling 1-800-544-7693 or checking online at www.licsrch.state.tn.us For noninsurance issues, call the Consumer Affairs hot line, 1-800-342-8385.

Major roads closed in Midstate

Tennessean May 3, 2010 The following roads are closed according to The Tennessee Department of Transportation: Interstate 24 both directions in Davidson County - Between Cheatham and Davidson County (Mile Marker: 32.0) and Davidson-Rutherford County Line (Mile Marker: 63.2), flooded road conditions were reported, travel not recommended on this roadway. Interstate 24 eastbound in Davidson County - Between Exit 48: James Robertson Pkwy/State Capitol (Mile Marker: 46.1) and MILE MARKER 49, flooded road conditions were reported. Interstate 24 both directions in Davidson County - Between Exit 54: SR-155 /Briley Parkway. (Mile Marker: 53.6) and Exit 60: Hickory Hollow Parkway (Mile Marker: 60.2), flooded road conditions were reported. Interstate 40 both directions in Davidson County - Between Cheatham-Davidson county line (Mile Marker: 191.5) and Davidson County line (Mile Marker: 222.6), flooded road conditions were reported. Interstate 40 eastbound in Davidson County - Between exit 207: Jefferson St. (Mile Marker: 206.7) and Exit 208: I-65. Interstate 40 westbound in Davidson County - Incident at exit 199: SR-251 / Old Hickory Blvd. Westbound traffic is affected with all lanes blocked. Eastbound traffic is affected with all lanes blocked. Both directions of traffic are being diverted to alternate routes. Incident at Interstate 40 westbound in Davidson County at exit 204: SR-155 / Briley Pkwy. / White Bridge Rd. Westbound traffic is affected with all lanes blocked. Nashville-area road closures First Ave. at Riverfront 10th Circle North at Rosa L. Parks New Hope Overpass Dodson Chapel Mill Creek Rd. Philfree Ct. Interstate 24 East at Shelby Sawyer Brown at Todd Priest Bay Cove Trail at Morton Mill 70 south at Interstate 40 Beech Bend Dr. at Footpath Ter. McCrory between Poplar Creek and I-40 Hwy. 100 between Ensworth and Temple Harrison and Rosa L. Parks Lebanon Pike and Central Pike OHB between I-24 and Dickerson Pike Buena Vista Pike Old Harding Pike between Sawyer brown and Poplar Creek

Opryland Hotel evacuated, LoBro bars close early for flooding

Tennessean By Jaime Sarrio • Staff Writer • May 3, 2010 The rising Cumberland River continued to create problems in Nashville overnight, even though the rain finally stopped. 5:45 a.m. Opryland Hotel and Convention Center was evacuated around midnight and guests were moved to McGavock High School. Nashville Fire Dept. Chief Charles Shannon said the hotel reported only minor water damage but evacuated as a precaution. Downtown businesses and bars closed around midnight due to rising waters which threatened to flood the tourist district. Many downtown roads are still closed.

American Red Cross Opens Shelters for Flood Evacuees

Channel 5 News Posted: May 01, 2010 6:39 PM CDT Shelters Open for Evacuees •Centerville Church of Christ •Coffee County Middle School in Manchester •The shelter at Erin City Hall has moved to the First Assembly of God in Erin •Jackson Civic Center •Jewish Community Center in Bellevue •Fairview Recreation Center •Franklin People's Church •Harpeth Middle School, Kingston Springs •Hazelwood Elementary School in Clarksville •Lebanon- College Hills Church of Christ •Lipscomb University •Smyrna Town Center •24 Church in Cheatham County on Substation Rd. •West Moreland Baptist Church •Waverly Church of Christ As flooding continues across Franklin, officers are working with the Franklin Fire Department and Williamson County EMS to assist citizens who are stranded in vehicles or homes. Officials are currently working to evacuate 25-30 people from the historic Carnton Plantation, 1345 Carnton Lane. Crews in boats are working to reach the trapped citizens and carry them to Williamson County School buses staging nearby. Several cars were abandoned at I-24 and Mill Creek in Antioch. Many people were stranded, not because they tried to drive through the water, but because as drivers became stuck, water rose around them. Nashville fire fighters rescued a driver from an 18-wheeler around 7:00 p.m. Saturday by throwing a line out to him. They could not get any closer to the driver because the water has risen up to the median.

Bus, Train Service Suspended Monday

Channel 5 News Posted: May 02, 2010 6:26 PM CDT NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Commuter bus and train services have been suspended for Monday because of the record flooding in Nashville. Officials with the Metropolitan Transit Authority have been monitoring weather conditions throughout the weekend. Bus service was already suspended Sunday. Many of the streets that buses use are still under water and deemed not safe. Services from the Music City Star have been suspended due to damaged rail tracks. A bridge at Highway 231 near Short Street near downtown Lebanon was damaged, making it impossible for the Music City Star to pass into that area. Construction crews have been working in the area, but repairs were not expected to be complete before the morning commute. Gray Line buses will be available for those who usually ride the Music City Star from every pick-up location station except the Martha Station at State Route 109 and Powell Grove Road. A fleet of MTA buses has been relocated from a garage on Nestor Street to a bus lot operated by Metro Nashville Public Schools near the fairgrounds. Customer service operators are on duty to answer questions at 615-862-5950.

All Metro Schools Will Be Closed Monday

Channel 5 Posted: May 02, 2010 6:12 PM CDT Metro Schools Director Gives Update On Schools0:47 Nashville, Tenn.- Sunday, Mayor Karl Dean held a press conference. Over 50 local streets have been closed at various locations as floodwaters continue to rise across Davidson County, and Metro's Office of Emergency Management continues to urge everyone to stay off the roads and streets. Heeding to that request, all Metro-Davidson County schools will be closed Monday. Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Metro Schools, spoke during the news conference. According to Register, 30 schools have suffered flood damage. One of the Head Start Schools, Frederick Douglass School, was submerged up to the roof. "We've been very fortunate based on reports we've received do far. Our maintenance staff has been out today checking the buildings. We think we have flooding in 23 different schools, but not anything significant. We should be able to do cleanup tomorrow. Of all of those places, I think the most significant damage has been around Antioch Middle School where we've lost school buses to the flood, but no water inside the building there that we're aware of right now. So we think with a good day of work tomorrow-our maintenance crews will be out. Custodians will be out in the buildings to get clean-up done, and we should be ready to go as soon as the roads are restored and the power is back," said Register. Metro's Office of Emergency Management says it is extremely important that residents stay off the roads Sunday and Monday if possible, particularly secondary roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. "Going into tomorrow, we're going to ask everyone who can stay home to do so. We need to leave room for public works and others to do the clean-up and recovery process. We sending directions to various Metro employees through various departments to tell them what we expect and where we want them to go," said Dean. The heaviest flooding continues in Antioch and Bellevue. Floodwater has risen into some Bellevue neighborhoods. Old Harding Road, Morton Mill Road, and Highway 70 are all closed near the Harpeth River.

Airport, Businesses Announce Cancellations & Closings

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - With emergency officials pleading with residents to stay off of the streets, many are heeding the warning; however, some are still venturing out despite numerous warnings. There are some businesses who have closed to help keep people at home. Airport (Nashville International Airport) Southwest Airlines will be cancel all flights after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2010. Several flights are canceled or delayed. Click here to check flight status. Businesses Bridgestone/Firestone LaVergne plant is closed Sunday and Monday. Concert Due to the Metro-Nashville State of Emergency, the Goo Goo Dolls concert at the Ryman Auditorium originally scheduled for Sunday, May 2 has been postponed to Monday, May 3. All May 2 tickets will be honored at the Ryman Auditorium on May 3. The concert will begin at 7:30pm. If you are not able to attend the rescheduled concert, refunds will honored at point-of-purchase until 12/Noon on Monday, May 3. These malls have closed for the rest of Sunday, May 2, 2010 •Coolsprings Mall is open, but stores are not required to open. •Hickory Hollow Mall is open, but stores are not required to open. •Opry Mills Mall Closed •Rivergate Mall closed Schools Fun Company YMCA after school programs closed Monday SAE Institute of Technology Classes Canceled Monday MTSU exams canceled Monday Belmont exams canceled Monday Vanderbilt University exams canceled Monday TSU library closed TSU morning exams canceled for Monday Click here for school closings on the Storm Watch system If there is no emergency, and you need to report circumstances or for information a community hotline has been established. Call 862-8574. The 911 and 862-8600 numbers are being used for emergency situations.

Mayor's Office Confirms 4 Additional Flood Related Deaths

Channel 5 News Posted: May 02, 2010 8:16 PM CDT Nashville, Tenn.- Though the rains ceased, the flood waters were still rising into the night Sunday. Sunday evening, the mayor's office confirmed two bodies were recovered from a flooded house in Bellevue. Two bodies were recovered from an upside down car on Sawyer Brown Road in Bellevue near River Plantation. Janel Lacy from the Mayor's office said that makes five total deaths in Davidson County. She also mentioned two men are missing after three of them tied tubes together and tried to cross Mill Creek. One of the men made it to safety, but search crews are trying to locate the other men. Furthermore, the Mayor's office is asking Nashville residents to limit water use because they've had to close one of the water treatment plants.

MAYOR DEAN DECLARES COUNTYWIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY

MAYOR DEAN DECLARES COUNTYWIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY Additional Shelter Opens at the Shrine Center in North Nashville NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has declared a State of Emergency in Davidson County due to the extensive rain and flooding over the past two days. This declaration will enable Metro Government to request state assistance, and to move much more quickly in acquiring and distributing necessary services, supplies, materials, and facilities. “A large portion of Davidson County has been impacted by flood waters, and we expect it to get worse as the day continues,” Mayor Dean said. “All of our major creeks and the Cumberland River are near flood level, if not at flood level. The ground is entirely saturated, and the rain continues to fall. There’s nowhere for the water to go. Our emergency responders have been able to handle all requests for services so far. But we need to be prepared to bring in any additional resources that are necessary to keep our citizens safe as we ride out the rest of this weather event.” More than 150 water rescues have taken place so far, and more are in progress. A large number of Nashville Electric Service customers are without power. And the Metropolitan Transit Authority has suspended service indefinitely. The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross have opened an additional emergency shelter for storm and flood victims at the Shrine Center, 1354 Brick Church Pike; this is in addition to the original shelter at Lipscomb University. The Shrine Center will not accept pets; the Lipscomb shelter is currently the county’s only pet-friendly shelter. For questions or non-emergency assistance related to the flooding, including transportation to one of the shelters, Davidson County residents can call the Community Hotline at (615) 862-8574.

A message from NES:

Nearly 28,000 customers on the NES system are currently without power. Customers who need to report an outage should call 234-0000. Crews are working diligently to address outage issues. An outage map is available on the NES website at www.nespower.com. Some substations are flooded, and the flooding and weather conditions are presenting challenges for our crews. I'll continue to send updates throughout the day. NES will keep us posted on developments.

TDOT cancels I-440 roadwork for weather

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has canceled its plans to close part of I-440 over the weekend due to the forecast of rain. Crews were originally supposed to lay reflective striping on the westbound lanes of the interstate from the I-65 junction to the I-40 junction. Officials said the closure would be rescheduled for a later date. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Nashville said heavy rain is moving into the area. One to 2 inches could fall on Middle Tennessee today. A lull is anticipated tonight, and then another round of strong storms will move in Sunday when another 1-2 inches is possible. More storms are expected Monday and Tuesday with possible flash flooding. For more information on construction projects, visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for more details. — NICOLE YOUNG THE TENNESSEAN

Big sweep across Southeast nabs 596 foreign criminals

ASSOCIATED PRESS • May 1, 2010 Federal agents arrested 596 immigrants with criminal records during a three-day immigration enforcement sweep across the Southeast, authorities announced Friday in what they described as their biggest operation yet. There were 29 arrests in Tennessee; including one in Antioch. On Wednesday, a fugitive operation team in Nashville arrested Jorge Umanzor, of El Salvador, at his home. Umanzor illegally entered the U.S. in 1997, police said. He is a convicted drug trafficker who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling cocaine in May 2006. The three-day sweep, dubbed Operation Cross Check by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, was the largest the agency has ever conducted targeting foreign nationals convicted of crimes. The convicted criminals have served their sentences and authorities will now work to deport them. "As a result of the operation, communities around the Southeast are safer than they were before," said Felicia Skinner, an ICE field director. The sting involved almost 400 federal and local law enforcement officers who sought out convicted criminals in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Authorities say they didn't single out a specific nationality; those arrested came from at least 60 nations in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The immigrants will likely face immediate deportation or an immigration hearing, although at least 12 of those arrested may also be charged because of prior immigration arrest records. Those offenders could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of felony re-entry. The people nabbed in the sweeping sting had been convicted of a broad array of charges. Three of them were convicted murderers, 26 were sex offenders and more than 250 were convicted on drug charges. Authorities say many of them were in the country legally. Tennessean staff writer Nicole Young contributed to this report.

Serpas appears to be among final 2 candidates for New Orleans job

Tennessean May 1, 2010 Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas appears to be one of the final two candidates for police chief of New Orleans. New Orleans Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu said Friday that he had narrowed the pool from three finalists to two but declined to say which candidate was eliminated, The Times-Picayune newspaper reported. In a phone interview Friday, Serpas deflected a question about his status, deferring to Landrieu's transition team. But he said he would let the people of Nashville know when there was news affecting his position here. "I'm looking forward to whatever his decision may be," he said, referring to Landrieu. Serpas worked in the New Orleans Police Department from 1980 to 2001, retiring as the No. 2 cop there. He has been Nashville's chief since 2004. Landrieu, who has called the police chief appointment the most important decision facing his incoming administration, will take office Monday. The Times-Picayune report said the decision would likely come "middle to late next week." — MICHAEL CASS THE TENNESSEAN