Tennessee tornado: Nashville in 5 killed , Putnam County after twisters strike killed
At least five people have died in Nashville and Putnam County, Tennessee, after tornadoes struck early Tuesday, authorities said. Two of the deaths were in East Nashville and three were reportedly in nearby Putnam County.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, two deaths occurred in East Nashville after two twisters touched down in the area. Another three deaths occurred in Putnam County, reported.
Police said at least 40 collapses have been reported in the Nashville area, according to the AP.
Metro Nashville police tweeted there were two fatalities in East Nashville. One of the tornadoes struck near downtown Nashville and traveled to Hermitage, The Associated Press reported. Multiple news outlets, citing the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, said three people had died in that county east of Nashville.
Nashville's Emergency Ops Center is open. MNPD & NFD leadership are working to coordinate resources in multiple parts of the city. As of 4 a.m. CST, power had been knocked out to at least 44,000 customers, Nashville Electric tweeted.
At this hour, we can report damage to four substations, 15 primary distribution lines, and multiple power poles and lines. More than 44,000 customers are without power. NES crews are assessing damage after this morning’s tornado moved through the service area.
The tornado reportedly stayed on the ground into Hermitage, about 10 miles east of the city. The National Weather Service issued two tornado warnings for Putnam County, east of Nashville. The tornadoes were confirmed on radar. A video online appeared to show a well-defined tornado in eastern Nashville.
Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed Tuesday; however, Super Tuesday polling stations at schools “will be open unless otherwise noted,” officials said. reporter Chris Conte tweeted a video of the newscast announcing that the tornado was hitting the station.
Conte also tweeted photos saying Nashville had taken a "direct hit" and that the downtown was "devastated."
Multiple people tweeted videos and photos of the storm and its aftermath.
As the storm progressed, the term "TAKE COVER NOW" was repeatedly sent out on Twitter by the National Weather Service and other agencies.
The Associated Press reports John C. Tune Airport “sustained significant damage due to severe weather,” according to an airport spokeswoman. Several hangars have been destroyed and power lines were down.
Nashville Electric tweeted that four of its substations were damaged. A reported gas leak in the Germantown community of Nashville forced an evacuation shortly after the tornado moved through the city. Photos showed dozens of people in the street carrying belongings.
posted a photo of damage to the Soda Parlor, known for its craft sodas and sundaes.
