Footage shows a dam releasing torrents of water amid heavy rain in Tennessee.

The Old Hickory Lock and Dam released 80,000 cubic feet per second of water as flood control operations intensified along the Cumberland River on February 16. This release aims to lower water levels ahead of an expected peak in Nashville.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Green, commander of the Nashville District, said: 'Recent rainfall and forecasted river crests require constant monitoring and adjustments to our dam operations.'

He emphasised that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring conditions around the clock to optimise flood management efforts.

Bob Oravec, senior National Weather Service forecaster, said that parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to six inches (15 cm) of rain.

Authorities issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina as the storm system passed through.

The powerful weather phenomenon also caused a levee collapse on the Obion River, triggering flash floods in Rives on Sunday.

Obion County Mayor Steve Carr declared a state of emergency for Rives. Officials have used boats to evacuate distressed individuals, and power was knocked out in parts of the town.