At least six people are dead after several tornados swept through Tennessee on Saturday — and at least one was reported in Kentucky — forcing people to take shelter and leaving a trail of devastation and damages in their wake.
As of Saturday night, two adults and a child reportedly died in the area of Clarksville, Tennessee, and the Nashville Emergency Operation Center reported three more deaths. Montgomery County officials said more than 20 others were treated at a hospital and they are “in the search and rescue phase of this disaster” on Saturday night. FOX 17 News Meteorologist Greg Bobos reported at least 15 tornados hit the region.
“This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who lost loved ones,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. “The City stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”
“We mourn the lives lost & ask that everyone continue to follow guidance from local & state officials,” Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee said in a statement on X.
On Sunday morning, officials said 22 structures in Nashville had collapsed and several others were damaged and unstable.
“Yesterday was unfortunately another heartbreaking day for Nashville and others in Middle Tennessee,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell during an update on Sunday. “While the days and weeks ahead will be challenging, we will respond.”
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several areas across four states — Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee — shortly before noon on Saturday.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee until 7 PM CST pic.twitter.com/G3GOmLPEEb
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) December 9, 2023
The tornado warnings started to pour in a short time later, as did reports of damages.
Tornado Warning including Paris TN, Dresden TN and Dyer TN until 12:30 PM CST pic.twitter.com/qcCWIXXYm9
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) December 9, 2023
“DRESDEN, TN! Take cover immediately. This is a particularly dangerous situation with a large, damaging #tornado heading toward town any minute,” Reed Timmer posted.
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DRESDEN, TN! Take cover immediately. This is a particularly dangerous situation with a large, damaging #tornado heading toward town any minute pic.twitter.com/GqE8CX7o15
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) December 9, 2023
“Large potentially catastrophic #tornado over Hendersonville TN right now. Worst case scenario,” Timmer added a short time later.
Large potentially catastrophic #tornado over Hendersonville TN right now. Worst case scenario pic.twitter.com/3L9PtWGuQI
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) December 9, 2023
The local FOX affiliate shared video of the large tornado that swept through Nashville, showing explosions as the massive storm reportedly damaged power stations.
WHOA!!! TDOT camera captures a tornado knocking out power stations. This was taken from the I-65 and Vietnam Vets Blvd in Rivergate/Goodlettsville. pic.twitter.com/xmRsskj6NP
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) December 9, 2023
Others shared video of the Nashville tornado from other angles.
Tennessee tornado 2023. Please be safe.
Friend from my wrestling academy captured this insane video in Madison. Please be safe. pic.twitter.com/2JDWNznfUn
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 9, 2023
Another tornado was reported in Clarksville.
Clarksville, Tennessee tornado earlier this afternoon!
LSC Viewer: She Shee Photography LLC pic.twitter.com/EVTuJ0M8IL
— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) December 9, 2023
Reports of damage began to flow in even as the storms continued to rage all over the state. Homes and businesses took the brunt of the devastation.
Damage reported in Clarksville, TN after tornado— stay with @WKRN & @DanielleBreezy for the latest! https://t.co/nsh4mF4pKb
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) December 9, 2023
The Nesbitt Lane area has severe damage. Our Personnel along with @NashvilleFD are on scene. Avoid this area. Remember do not approach downed power lines. pic.twitter.com/0eaShIa8VJ
— Nashville EOC/OEM (@NashvilleEOC) December 10, 2023
While the storms raged, people who were not at home had to take shelter where they could — some in the parking garage of a hotel.
Tornado warning in Nashville this evening has us in the hotel parking garage for a while… #RealLife #BeSafeEveryone pic.twitter.com/fpCIf81yRJ
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) December 9, 2023
Fans attending the Creation Nashville convention got a surprise when they gathered to take shelter in a garage: “Supernatural” star Jared Padalecki joined them, and then proceeded to host an impromptu Q&A session.
Well #SPNNASH turned into #GARAGECON and @jarpad did a Q&A 😂 Tornadoes man 👀 #JaredPadalecki #WeLoveYouJaredPadalecki pic.twitter.com/McWmogJ39i
— Rose Richards 🤠 #SPNNASH (@TheRoseRichards) December 9, 2023
Costar Misha Collins also joined the fans, smiling and taking videos as they waited out the storm.
I’ve got friends in low places… We’ve moved #CreationNASH into the basement because of a massive #tornado. Stay safe & take cover, my #Nashville friends! pic.twitter.com/PYOzIAOtq6
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) December 9, 2023
More rain and thunderstorms are expected throughout the south and the east coast on Sunday, with some areas getting up to three inches of rain.
Montgomery County officials are asking the public to stay away from impacted areas so they don’t interfere with first responders and utility crews.
This article has been updated with additional information.