NASHVILLE - In the aftermath of widespread flash flooding, traveling in and around Nashville remained a challenge on Wednesday, May 5. However, more and more of Davidson County's streets, highways and interstates are reopening for traffic, the Tennessean reported. 

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has declared 52 of the state's 95 counties disaster areas. President Barack Obama has granted the governor's request for federal emergency assistance.

The death toll from storms and flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi has reached 29, emergency officials said on May 4. Ten of the fatalities occurred in Nashville, which saw 13 inches of rain in two days over the weekend. The Cumberland River crested Monday night at 51.86 feet -- the highest level since 1937. The river began to subside on Tuesday but was not expected to drop below the 40-foot flood state until Thursday morning. 

Drivers in the region continue to encounter major problem areas. The pavement has crumbled in one westbound lane of Interstate 24 near Mill Creek, and Vietnam Veterans Boulevard in Sumner County -- a main artery -- remains closed, the Tennessean reported. Also closed is Briley Parkway near Opryland.