Travel Update from Nashville and the U.S. Gulf Coast
May 6, 2010
NTA is closely monitoring the flooding of Nashville and the oil spill situation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. See below for information from NTA member Nashville CVB, NTA member Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development and members in each state that were affected by the oil spill.
Flood update:
On May 1 and 2, the city of Nashville, and some of the surrounding cities and counties in Tennessee, experienced record-breaking rains. While the overall impact of this past weekend’s weather has not been fully assessed, some of Nashville’s popular attractions have sustained flood damage and will be closed for several weeks. However, many of Nashville’s attractions, restaurants, hotels and historic sites remain open for business.
In addition, travelers to other major Tennessee tourism destinations, including Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Smoky Mountains and Northeast Tennessee, will find these locations without incident and 100 percent operational.
It is recommended that visitors planning a trip to Middle Tennessee check the website of the individual attractions, as well as the lodging facility, for continuous updates.
See Nashville Music City Press Release
See Nashville-area hotel availability.
See Nashville attraction schedules.
See downtown Nashville restaurant schedules.
The Nashville International Airport is in operation. Please check flynashville.com for specifics on arriving and departing flights.
MTA and RTA bus and train service has been suspended. Visit nashvillemta.org for details. Visit the Office of Emergency Management Web site for updates on shelters and road closures. Click here for the Smartway TDOT map of road conditions.
For Nashville specific information, check http://www.visitmusiccity.com/ for the latest , or call 800.657.6910 (U.S. and Canada) or +1.615.259.4747. You may also e-mail the Nashville CVB and check Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates.
Oil Spill Update:
There are currently no effects of the oil spill on the beaches. At this point, the extent of any potential impact is unclear. Click here to see a video encouraging travel to the Gulf Coast in spite of the oil spill. Click here to read about the south coast and their official press statement on their beaches.
Alabama:
Alabama’s beaches are still white and clean. Click here for updated information from the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB.
Mississippi:
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is open for business! Click here to read up-to-the-minute updates from the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB.
Louisiana:
It’s business as usual in New Orleans and the rest of the Louisiana coast. Click here to see the official release.
Florida:
Florida is still unaffected by the oil spill. Click here for more.
Fishing Closure: NOAA is closing commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters between the mouth of the Mississippi River to Florida’s Pensacola Bay as a precautionary measure. The closure begins immediately and is in effect for at least 10 days. However, fishing is open in waters up to 20 miles out in the Gulf and inshore waters and charter boats are still going out from Orange Beach.
Click here to read official reports from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and click here to see the official Transocean Deepwater Horizons Response page.