Tens of thousands of people were left without power after storms wreaked havoc across Tennessee on Wednesday. Roads were closed, buildings and properties sustained significant damage and others were reported injured.
At least 2 people were reported dead across the state Wednesday as strong scattered storms made their way through. One was reported in Maury County where a tornado touched down in Columbia; another was confirmed in East Tennessee, where a person was killed by a fallen tree in Tazewell.
Storms continued overnight, causing power outages and continued flooding. Follow along for live updates in the aftermath of severe weather across Middle Tennessee.
Storm aftermath:Deadly tornadoes again rampage through Tennessee: ‘Lord please don’t let me die’
More:Tennessee woman killed in Columbia tornado remembered as a ‘free spirit’
Prayer vigil for Rutherford Schools director’s son draws hundreds
More than 500 students, teachers and families gathered to pray for Rutherford County Schools Director James “Jimmy” Sullivan’s 10-year-old son Asher Thursday afternoon.
The boy was hospitalized after he was swept into a storm drain and under the neighborhood streets as storms moved through Middle Tennessee Wednesday. He eventually emerged in a drainage ditch.
“CPR was administered for quite some time. His heartbeat was reestablished, but the damage is substantial,” Sullivan wrote in a social media post Thursday.
Robertson Schools to open one hour late Friday
Robertson County Schools will open one hour late on Friday due to continued road hazards, the district announced late Thursday. Bus drivers will use their discretion when it come to road flooding, officials noted.
Gov. Bill Lee: Damage in Maury County is “heartbreaking”
Gov. Bill Lee called the violent tornado that ripped through eastern Columbia “heartbreaking” during a media briefing at Columbia Fire Station 31.
The station, a tornado recovery command post, is located off Lasea Road, a rural part of Maury County not too far from Bear Creek Pike, where the path of destruction left its mark.
With the ground still soaked from overnight rain, Lee shared his experiences visiting several families Thursday afternoon.
“One family huddled in the closet and lost most of their house,” Lee said. “As you walked through, you saw that was the only closet [intact].”
Lee said the family followed safety instructions by going to the lowest level of the home in a place with no windows.
“I guess they wouldn’t have survived if they hadn’t done that,” he said.
Gov. Bill Lee tours hardest hit areas in Maury County
Gov. Bill Lee drove out to some of the hardest hit areas in Maury County close to where Cheryl Lovett died.
The woman was in a mobile home, which was thrown into the trees by the tornado. Uprooted trees lined many of the streets, utility crews were mending broken power lines and clearing roads, according to pool reports.
Lee and first lady Maria Lee spoke with a family picking up the pieces of their wrecked home. They’d been living there for less than a year.
Before heading to a media availability, Lee stopped to greet and thank volunteers handing out free meals to those helping out with the damage.
Wilson County Schools closed Friday
Wilson County Schools will be closed again Friday due to continuing hazardous road conditions, particularly in the eastern part of the county.
Kids Club will operate a normal schedule except at Tuckers Crossroads. That location will be moved to Southside. Green Hill High School graduation will still be held at MTSU on Friday.
Maury County Public Schools closed Friday
Maury County Public Schools will remain closed Friday as the community works to clean up.
“All graduations, after school athletics & performances will occur, unless you are notified by an individual school,” the system announced on Facebook.
National Weather Service preliminary reports: Columbia tornado an EF-3
Preliminary reports from crews assessing damage classified the tornado that killed one and injured others in Maury County as an EF-3 tornado, the National Weather Service said.
Reports indicate the tornado reached speeds of 140 miles per hour and was about a half-mile wide, the weather service said.
The data is preliminary and could be adjusted over the next couple of days, the weather service said.
Gov. Bill Lee visits Maury County for damage briefing
Gov. Bill Lee stopped at the Maury County Emergency Operations Center for a briefing on damage in the area, according to pool reports.
More than 40 homes were completely destroyed in the tornado Wednesday night, with 65 more suffering some level of damage.
Jeff Hardy, director of Maury County’s emergency agency, said there are no more expected fatalities other than the one that had previously been reported, but crews continue to search the damaged areas.
Metro Parks closes golf course and portion of trail
A large section of the Stones River Greenway in Nashville is underwater, said Metro Parks in a news release. The greenway is closed from the Kohl’s trailhead to the Stones River Percy Priest Dam trailhead. Park officials are urging people to avoid the flooded section of the greenway, said Metro Parks.
Additionally, Ted Rhodes Golf Course is closed due to the high water levels of the Cumberland River, which flanks the course. Some cart paths are underwater, said Metro Parks. Park officials are monitoring river levels to determine when the course can reopen.
Water levels expected to continue rising
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most areas along the Cumberland River in Downtown Nashville are experiencing high levels of water. Affected locations on the east side include property at Korean Veterans and Interstate 24, Nissan Stadium and surrounding areas, and property from James Robertson Parkway, to Jefferson Street to the Interstate 65 bridge.
On the west side, affected locations include Anthes Drive, First Avenue from Korean Veterans to Church Street, areas of South Broadway up to Fifth Avenue, north of downtown between James Robertson Parkway and Jefferson Street, Hope Gardens, Germantown and East Germantown, said NOAA.
NOAA is predicting water levels could reach 41.9 feet by 1 a.m. Friday. Back in May of 2010, the water levels downtown reached 52.55 feet.
“Flooding is also occurring at the Music City Star train station, areas in South Broadway between First Avenue and Fifth Avenue north of Korean Veterans Boulevard, roads and property around Nissan Stadium, and buildings on First Avenue North between Broadway and Church Street,” said NOAA.
Water levels at Red River near Port Royal in Clarksville are also expected to increase. As of 1:30 p.m., NOAA observed water levels of 42.09 feet, however it could reach as high as 45 feet. The river reached a historic level of nearly 50 feet back in 2010.
Blood donors urgently needed
The time after severe storms like what swept through Tennessee and other areas of the South on Wednesday into Thursday, is when blood donors are needed the most according to Blood Assurance.
Storms caused multiple blood drives to be canceled in the last 24 hours and now the group is in search of people to help keep supplies stocked to help people in need of blood. The non-profit organization works with local hospitals to help keep the blood supply flowing to them, including one in Columbia.
Visit bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777, to schedule an appointment at the local center in Columbia or one near you.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: Storms left thousands of people without power
State officials are assessing damage and needs in Cheatham, Giles, Lincoln, Maury, Rutherford, Smith, Warren and Wilson counties, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said in a Thursday statement.
Over 69,000 people across the state are without power.
Flooding forced the Woodbury Water System in Cannon County to issue a boil water advisory for over 11,000 customers. The East Fork Utility District in Overton County also issued a boil water advisory for 150 customers after a water main break, the agency said.
Opry Mills Mall closes due to potential flooding
The Opry Mills Mall in Nashville announced it would close on Thursday at 1 p.m. In a social media post, the shopping center announced it would be closing early due to the potential flooding of the Cumberland River nearby.
According to NOAA, the Opryland and Opry Mills area is under several feet of water, with flooding reaching portions of Briley Parkway.
Rainfall totals reach eight inches in parts of Middle Tennessee
About eight inches of rain fell on parts of Middle Tennessee during Wednesday’s rash of severe weather. The intense rainfall triggered multiple flash flood warnings.
“Most of the Midstate remains covered by Flash Flood warnings due to the excessive rainfall over the past 24 hrs. And as river levels rise, there will be some river flood products issued as stages increase above action,” read the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service Nashville.
- Columbia: 2.46 inches
- Old Hickory Dam: 5 inches
- Clarksville: 5.13 inches
- Hunters Point: 5.94 inches
- White House: 6.09 inches
- Woodbury: 6.15 inches
- Orlinda: 6.39 inches
- Springfield: 6.57 inches
- Lebanon 7N: 7.07 inches
- Bethpage: 7.92 inches
Gov. Bill Lee to survey storm damage
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will be inspecting storm damage following Wednesday night’s storms. According to pool reports, Lee arrived at the Tennessee Department of Transportation office in Franklin on Thursday to thank officials and crew members who spent the night clearing trees and debris from roads.
“We come out here when it’s intense like this to say thank you but often times you do this every day,” Lee said. “A lot of yall have been here a long time, long before I ever knew what TDOT did … I’m very very appreciative of you.”
Lee will also be visiting Maury County, said a pool report.
James Hargrove, one of the workers with TDOT, said he had never seen such destruction while responding to the storms in Maury County throughout the night. According to a pool report, he immediately began clearing trees, helping to reopen roads and was expecting crews to continue doing so on Thursday.
“This could be my house,” he said, explaining what was going through his head when he arrived to the scene. “This could have been my family. It was a really scary situation.”
Lee has also reached out to Rutherford County Director of Schools, James Sullivan, said a pool report. Sullivan’s 10-year-old, Asher, sustained injuries during Wednesday night’s storm. Asher was caught up in a storm drain and is currently at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Wilson and Sumner County experience high levels of flooding
Old Hickory Lake levels were noticeably higher at several recreation areas and boat ramps in the Gallatin and northern Wilson County areas had water well beyond its banks.
“The (2010) floods were worse, but this is noticeable,” said Brent Young, Quality Control Manager for NuGate Group which clean trash, driftwood, restrooms and more at recreation areas for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “It’s pretty intense, but nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s just going to take a while to clean up. We’ll be as diligent as we can, please be patient.”
Water at Laguardo Recreation Area in northern Wilson County was approximately 100 yards beyond its normal banks and pavilions, picnic tables, restrooms and trees were well into the water.
Station Camp Creek boat ramp in Gallatin also had elevated water levels that took much of the parking area. Gallatin Soccer Complex’s Rogers Field off Big Station Camp Boulevard was also underwater Thursday morning.
Maury Mayor: ‘An amazing group of people checking in on everyone’
Recovery and relief efforts continue after Wednesday night’s tornado, which wreaked havoc on Maury County and left on person dead in Columbia, Tenn. A dozen more residents were reported injured by Maury County Fire Deputy Chief Richard Schatz.
As originally reported in the Daily Herald, The National Weather Service and local first responders estimate the tornado touched down at about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday along the Bear Creek Pike area in northern Columbia, leaving a path of destruction that stretched about two miles wide.
The storm caused damage to trees, power lines and homes. A fuel tanker overturned on U.S. Highway 31 north of Burt Drive and south of Carters Creek Pike, amid the chaos, leading officials to urge drivers to take alternate routes.
Despite the damages, city leaders say they are grateful for the community efforts.
“We have had a long night, but we have an amazing group of people checking in on everyone in our community,” Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said.
Shelters have been set up for the displaced, and monetary donations are being accepted.
‘A tragedy in our county’:Tornado relief continues in Columbia following storm
Rutherford Schools director’s son swept into storm drain, critically injured
Rutherford County Schools Director James “Jimmy” Sullivan provided new details Thursday about the injuries his 10-year-old son sustained during Wednesday’s storm.
The boy, whom the director identified as Asher in a social media post, was playing with other children in the water that had accumulated in the street while neighbors gathered to begin the cleanup process when somehow, he “got caught in the storm drain and was swept under the neighborhood streets.
“He eventually came out in a drainage ditch, and CPR was administered for quite some time. His heartbeat was reestablished, but the damage is substantial,” Sullivan wrote in the post. Asher was taken first to Ascension, and then to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the post noted.
“His lungs are severely damaged, and he is not showing much brain activity outside of muscle jerks,” Sullivan wrote. “Specially, pray for healing for his lungs and most importantly brain activity to occur.
“Asher needs a miracle.”
Storm damages Lebanon venue and former property of Reba McEntire
Starstruck Farm, a portion of Reba McEntire’s former property in northern Wilson County, had an estimated 13 trees fall from Wednesday’s storm.
The 46-acre venue that now offers lodging, entertainment, special events including weddings and a restaurant also had damage to a number of structures.
Aaron White, 41, who does general maintenance and works in the kitchen at Starstruck , was staying in one of the “A-frame” cabins when the storm hit, recalling the door flying open.
“I was alarmed at that point,” White said.
The damage at Starstruck Farm includes a large oak tree known as the “Wedding Tree” estimated at well over 100 years old. The Wedding Tree was the centerpiece of a wedding stage that was essentially pulled up with the tree falling.
The tree also partially fell on a cabin where a woman was staying. The guest wasn’t injured and no other injuries were reported, according to Starstruck Farm staff.
“Grateful is a good word,” White said. “It’s eye-opening all this could happen in a split second.”
Owner Jay Wilfong hopes to reopen as soon as possible.
“We can’t put the trees back, that hurts,” Wilfong said. “The wedding tree was a magnificent tree … No injuries, that’s the main thing.”
Tornado damages Lucky Ladd Farms in Rutherford County
Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville is closed after being hit by a tornado Wednesday night. In a social media post, the farm announced they took a direct hit and sustained significant damage. The farm said there was no loss of animals and family and staff are safe.
Lucky Ladd Farms will temporarily close while repairs take place. The farm said it has limited means of communication due to their offices being destroyed but will work to respond and address ticket refunds as quickly as possible.
“Our timeline is unknown but we will keep you updated on our progress an look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible!” said the farm on Instagram.
National Weather Service: ‘Significant flooding is ongoing’
Significant flash flooding continues Thursday morning. Multiple flash flood warnings and advisories are in effect throughout Middle Tennessee, including in Montgomery, Robertson, Wilson, Williamson, and Rutherford Counties.
A tornado watch is no longer in effect for locations along and north of Interstate 40, however the threat for severe weather continues said the weather service. Damaging wind gusts and quarter-sized hail continue to be the main concerns.
A tornado or two can not be ruled out, said the weather service. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move out of Middle Tennessee by Thursday afternoon, leaving behind drier and cooler weather through the weekend.
Flash flood warning in effect until 8 a.m.
At 5:52 a.m., the National Weather Service extended a flash flood warning for Cheatham, Davidson, Jackson, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson Counties.
They said thunderstorms were capable of producing heavy rain throughout the warned area. Between 5 and 7 inches of rain have already fallen.
“Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected” in those areas the weather service says.
Several Middle Tennessee school districts closed Thursday
More school districts in the greater Nashville joined the list of those closing Thursday due to flooding and storm damage.
So far the list includes:
- Bedford County Schools: Closed Thursday.
- Cheatham County Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding across the county
- Dickson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to potential for storms, flooding overnight
- Maury County Schools: Closed Thursday “for the safety of student and staff,” officials said.
- Montgomery County Schools: All schools to open a 2-hour delay due to storms overnight
- Murfreesboro City Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding overnight.
- Rutherford County Schools: Closed Thursday “due to several flooding issues,” as well as electrical outages and downed tress that will impact buses, officials said.
- Robertson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to “a flooding emergency,” officials said.
- Rutherford County Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding issues.
- Williamson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to hazardous travel conditions after heavy rain overnight.
- Wilson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to hazardous roadways, officials said.
