Rutherford County, TN - As the skies grew ominous on Sunday (3/30-31/2025) night, Rutherford County took swift action to safeguard its residents. At 10:30 PM, the county's newly established Public Health and Safety buildings began operating as storm shelters, providing refuge during severe weather conditions. This initiative came in response to a "Tornado Watch" that was expected to last until 3:00 AM Monday morning.

Rutherford County Sheriffs Office

RCSO PIO Lisa Marchesoni told WGNS News, "We had was a tree blocking Coleman Hill Road near Rockvale. The tree hit the power lines and knocked the utility pole down. The tree was cleared but power lines remain hanging over the road.

Town of Smyrna

Smyrna PIO Heather Kent said, "I’m not aware of any damage in  Smyrna".

4 Storm Shelters 

Four strategically located facilities were made available for those seeking shelter from the storm's potential dangers. Spearheaded by Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Chief Larry Farley and County Commissioner Pettus Read, the initiative underscored the importance of proactive safety measures. Chief Farley urged the community not to delay seeking safety, cautioning, "Don't wait for storms to hit before attempting to make it to the safety of these public shelters."

The shelters aim to support residents who feel insecure in their current homes or structures, demonstrating the county's commitment to community protection during emergencies. Fortunately, the storm arrived later than anticipated, leaving the streets of Murfreesboro and Smyrna eerily empty late Sunday evening. This unusual calm resulted in fewer vehicles on the road during the height of the storm, reducing potential damage from high winds, hail, and torrential rain.

WGNS has reached out to Public Information Officers in Rutherford County, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne for updates but has yet to receive a response. The lack of immediate reports may suggest minimal impact, offering a hopeful outlook.

HOW DID THE STORM IMPACT YOU?

Residents who experienced storm-related damage, whether to homes, businesses, vehicles, or property, are encouraged to share their stories and photos with WGNS. By coming together, the community can better assess the storm's impact and support those in need.

CLICK HERE to email photos of how the storm impacted you.