Deadly I-24 Crash, Record Heat and SEC Tournament Set the Tone in Nashville
Nashville, TN – March 10, 2026 – Metro investigates deadly I-24 crash as record heat grips Nashville and Bridgestone readies for SEC Tournament.
Nashville is balancing breaking news, breaking records and a busy week downtown.
Deadly Crash on I-24 in South Nashville
Metro police and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are investigating a deadly crash that followed a pursuit on Interstate 24 West near Harding Place. Authorities say two people died after the vehicle being chased crashed, prompting a full shutdown of lanes Sunday night.
The closure caused major traffic delays across South Nashville as officers worked the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the pursuit.
Record Heat to Start March
It may feel more like late May than early March. Nashville reached 85 degrees on March 6, marking the hottest March 6 on record since 1910. Forecasters say this stretch has officially become the warmest start to March ever recorded in the city.
The unusual warmth has accelerated allergy season and kept parks, patios and greenways busy. While many residents are enjoying the sunshine, meteorologists caution that a cooldown is possible before St. Patrick’s Day.
SEC Tournament Tips Off Downtown
All eyes now turn to Bridgestone Arena, where the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament begins March 11 and runs through March 15. Sixteen teams will compete in the annual conference showdown, bringing thousands of fans into downtown Nashville.
Hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are preparing for a surge in visitors. The tournament winner will secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, raising the stakes for teams and adding to the energy expected around Lower Broadway and SoBro.
From public safety concerns to historic weather and a marquee sports event, it’s a week that captures Nashville’s fast pace and wide range of headlines.
Sources
https://www.wsmv.com/video/2026/03/07/record-breaking-heat-recorded-nashville/?outputType=amp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_SEC_men%27s_basketball_tournament