The Gaylord Opryland Hotel flooded in May 2010, when record rainfall overwhelmed the Cumberland River and forced evacuations of 1,500 guests to a local high school.
When did the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Flood?
The Gaylord Opryland Hotel flooded on May 1–2, 2010, during the historic Middle Tennessee flood event that recorded more than 13 inches of rainfall in 48 hours.
Floodwaters from the Cumberland River breached the hotel’s lowest levels and swamped the iconic Atrium and convention spaces. The property shut down for seven months of repairs before reopening in December 2010. Honestly, this ranks among the worst flood events in Nashville’s history, with regional damages topping $2.3 billion.
Did the Opryland Hotel Flood?
Yes, the Opryland Hotel flooded in May 2010 during the catastrophic Middle Tennessee flood event.
More than 800,000 square feet of the 4-million-square-foot resort ended up underwater, including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and back-office facilities. The hotel evacuated 1,500 guests to a nearby high school as the Cumberland River crested at historic levels. It reopened in December 2010 after a $200 million restoration.
Did the Gaylord flood?
Yes, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center flooded in May 2010, with up to 10 feet of water in parts of the complex.
The flood affected 800,000 square feet of the 4-million-square-foot property, including the Atrium, restaurants, and back-office areas owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties. Restoration meant structural repairs, mold remediation, and replacing mechanical and electrical systems. The venue welcomed guests back on December 17, 2010.
What caused the Grand Ole Opry to flood?
The Grand Ole Opry flooded because torrential rain over May 1–2, 2010 overwhelmed the Cumberland River system, submerging the stage and auditorium under up to 10 feet of water.
On May 2, 2010, the Cumberland River hit 51.86 feet at downtown Nashville—over 16 feet above flood stage. Floodwaters entered the Opry House through doors, loading docks, and sewer backups, damaging stage floors, seating, and historic memorabilia. Shows moved to alternate venues while repairs wrapped up in five months.
What areas in Nashville were flooded in 2010?
In 2010, Nashville flooding impacted areas near the Cumberland River, Mill Creek, and Harpeth River, including downtown, Opryland, and Opry Mills.
| Area |
Date |
River |
Peak Stage |
Impact |
| Downtown Nashville |
May 1–7, 2010 |
Cumberland River |
51.86 ft |
Major flooding of Music Row, LP Field, and Broadway |
| Gaylord Opryland Resort |
May 2, 2010 |
Cumberland River |
51.86 ft |
800,000 sq ft flooded; closed 7 months |
| Opry Mills Mall |
May 2, 2010 |
Cumberland River |
51.86 ft |
10 ft of floodwater; closed 22 months |
| East Nashville |
May 1–2, 2010 |
Mill Creek |
35.0 ft (estimated) |
Residential flooding and road closures |
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the event set all-time rainfall records for Nashville, with 13.57 inches measured at Nashville International Airport over two days.
Who owns Opryland?
Opryland is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., which also operates the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
Ryman Hospitality Properties is a real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Nashville. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center operates as a subsidiary under the Ryman Hospitality umbrella. The property features 2,881 guest rooms and 15 restaurants across its 4-million-square-foot campus.
Did Opry Mills flood again?
Opry Mills flooded once, in May 2010, when the Cumberland River inundated the mall with up to 10 feet of water.
The 1.2-million-square-foot mall closed immediately and stayed shuttered for nearly two years during cleanup and rebuilding. It reopened in March 2012 with updated retail and dining options. As of 2026, no flood of similar scale has struck since.
What is a thousand year flood?
A 1,000-year flood is a statistical term indicating a 0.1% annual chance of occurring in any given year, based on historical rainfall and flood data.
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines return periods using rainfall frequency estimates. In 2010, the Nashville event was initially classified as a 1,000-year flood, though updated analyses suggest it may have been closer to a 100- or 200-year event in some areas. These classifications guide floodplain management and insurance requirements.
Does East Nashville flood?
East Nashville is highly vulnerable to flooding, especially in low-lying areas near Mill Creek and its tributaries.
The neighborhood’s hilly terrain and dense urban development lead to rapid runoff and localized flooding during heavy rain events. After the 2010 flood, Metro Nashville and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invested in flood mitigation projects, including channel improvements and stormwater upgrades. Residents should check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for current flood risk designations.
What happened to the old Grand Ole Opry?
The Grand Ole Opry House flooded on May 2, 2010, forcing a five-month closure for structural repairs and remediation.
The flood destroyed stage flooring, pews, and electrical systems. Shows relocated to War Memorial Auditorium and the Ryman Auditorium while restoration was underway. The Opry House reopened on September 28, 2010, with a special broadcast celebrating its survival.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken Grand Ole Opry reopening?
Yes, the “Circle Be Unbroken” Grand Ole Opry broadcasts have continued weekly since the 2010 flood, with no interruption in the show’s schedule.
The Opry’s “unbroken circle” refers to its uninterrupted weekly performances since 1925. Even during the 2010 flood recovery, the show aired from alternate venues. As of 2026, the tradition continues with regular Saturday night broadcasts and special reunion events.
What happened to the original Grand Ole Opry?
The original Grand Ole Opry House flooded on May 2, 2010, requiring five months of repairs before reopening.
The floodwaters reached 10 feet in parts of the auditorium, damaging seating, stage floors, and historic memorabilia. The show temporarily relocated to War Memorial Auditorium and the Ryman Auditorium. The venue reopened on September 28, 2010, and has operated continuously since.
What year was the flood in Nashville?
The Nashville flood occurred on May 1–2, 2010, following record rainfall that exceeded 13 inches in 48 hours.
The event set all-time rainfall records at Nashville International Airport. The Cumberland River reached a crest of 51.86 feet at downtown Nashville on May 2, 2010, triggering widespread flooding across Davidson County and surrounding areas.
Was Tennessee once underwater?
Yes, the area now known as Tennessee was completely covered by shallow seas approximately 400 to 500 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era.
Sedimentary rocks from this period, including limestone and dolomite, are evidence of ancient marine environments. Fossils of marine organisms such as brachiopods and trilobites are common in these formations. Over millions of years, tectonic activity uplifted the region, creating the modern landscape.
Did the Ryman Auditorium flood?
No, the Ryman Auditorium did not flood during the May 2010 event, despite its proximity to the Cumberland River.
The Ryman sits on a hill about 20 feet above the river, protecting it from inundation. However, the flood forced the cancellation of a Goo Goo Dolls concert on Sunday, May 2, 2010. The venue stayed operational and hosted relocated Opry shows during the 2010 flood recovery period.
