CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Residents of Montgomery County are grappling with the aftermath of severe weather that has left many homes flooded and communities struggling to recover. For some, this is not the first time their homes have been impacted by the relentless storms that have swept through the region.
Candace Payne, a resident of Elberta Drive in Clarksville, is one of the many affected. She shared her frustration and emotional distress after experiencing her third major flood in less than a year. Payne’s basement was flooded in February 2025 and May 2024, and the recent storms have once again inundated her home.
“I don’t think it’s fully hit me that I’m standing in water again,” Payne told News 2. “I just need the local officials to do something. I didn’t know that this house was flood-prone. If I had known that, I would have never bought this house. I wouldn’t have invested my life into it. Now I’m stuck in a house that won’t stop flooding.”
Payne, who has been living in temporary housing since the February flood, had hoped to return to her home in a couple of weeks. But with the latest round of flooding, those plans have been dashed. Her plea for action reflects the deep sense of frustration that many in her community are feeling.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to the crisis over the weekend, with President Donald Trump approving emergency declarations for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas. In a statement, FEMA urged residents to follow local authorities’ guidance as the risk of severe weather and flooding remains a concern.
While Payne’s situation is heartbreaking, she is not alone. Local resident Achilles Solomos expressed his anger over what he believes to be the cause of the ongoing flooding. Standing outside Kirkwood High School, where he was gathering sandbags, Solomos cited overdevelopment in the area as a major factor contributing to the flooding.
“All of the overdevelopment basically caused everything to go in reverse into our backyard, into the farm field behind us, causing so much damage. I have $1,000 in damage in my home and backyards, and nobody is taking accountability,” Solomos said.
The flooding has also prompted an emergency response from local military personnel. Trucks from the 101st Airborne Division were seen assisting with the relief efforts in areas affected by the storms.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, Montgomery County residents in low-lying areas have been urged to seek shelter ahead of potential flash floods. Several emergency shelters have been set up, including one at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department’s Crow Recreation Center on Richview Road. Additionally, Yaipak, in collaboration with the Red Cross, has opened an evacuation center at its warehouse on Paradise Hill, offering support to those in need.
In response to the crisis, the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region, Inc. has encouraged residents who need assistance to reach out. Individuals impacted by the flooding can also connect with case workers through the Red Cross.
As Montgomery County continues its recovery efforts, it’s clear that residents are seeking solutions not just for immediate aid, but for long-term prevention. With more severe weather likely in the future, the community is calling for accountability and change to prevent further devastation.
For those seeking help or wishing to contribute to recovery efforts, they are encouraged to fill out a digital assistance form or contact the United Way or Red Cross for support.
