Across the mid state it looks as if 24 have now been confirmed dead by the TN Department of Health after tornadoes hit early Tuesday morning in Tennessee. That number was the last update as of 8:45 Tuesday night. We have also learned that the tornado that struck East Nashville, Donelson and Mt Juliet was rated as an EF 3 by the National Weather Service. In the other areas, the tornadowas an EF 2.
That was News Director Rafferty Cleary with Stonecom Communications in Putnum County, TN. He went on to tell WGNS NEWS...
As of 10:00 Tuesday morning, the number of those dead in the Putnam County area alone was at 16...
WGNS has received a lot of calls from residents asking what they can do to help the areas struck by the tornadoes. Cleary explains...
Blood donations are also needed...
People have actually shown up in large numbers wanting to volunteer with search and rescue and even debris removal, but Putnam County officials are rightfully not letting that happen at this point...
As of 12:45 PM on Tuesday:
• Davidson County is reporting approximately 48,000 without power
• Wilson County is reporting approximately 17,000 without power
• Upper Cumberland (Putnam County and Jackson County) is reporting approximately 8,000 without power
Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 24 fatalities
• 18 fatalities in Putnam County (most recent confirmation)
• 3 fatalities in Wilson County
• 2 fatalities in Davidson County
• 1 fatality in Benton County
• Unknown number of injuries
Currently 4 open shelters in Tennessee
• 2 American Red Cross Shelters - Centennial Sportsplex, 222 25th Ave N., Nashville, TN
• First Baptist Church, 18 South Walnut Ave., Cookeville, TN
• Victory Baptist Church, 1777 Tate Ln, Mt. Juliet, TN
• Highland Heights Church of Christ, 505 N. Cumberland, Lebanon, TN
From TEMA / TN Dept. of Military:
• Refrain from driving to keep available streets and roads clear for emergency personnel.
• Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
8AM - RECAP:
The path of a tornado that struck Middle Tennessee early Wednesday morning was nearly the same path for a tornado that hit in 1998, according to the National Weather Service. TEMA declared a level three state of emergency due to the devastation.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reports that at least 21 deaths have been reported due to the tornado at this point. However, different numbers are being reported by various news outlets.
In addition to the deaths caused by the storms, over 70 people were injured to the point of being transported to a hospital in East Nashville, Putnam County, Benton County and Wilson County.
The numbers of those injured or killed in the early morning hours of the tornado are continuing go up. WGNS will keep you informed as this story changes as numbers unfortunately grow.
Due to severe weather, state offices will be closed in the following counties: Davidson, Wilson, Putnam, Carroll, Benton, Fentress, Overton, and Smith. If able, employees should follow AWS procedures to assure the state continues to service its citizens. At this time, only essential personnel should report to duty.
Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has coordinated and deployed resources in Wilson County.
PREVIOUS NEWS REPORTS PRIOR TO 4AM (3/3/2020):
NASHVILLE
The tornado touched down just north of the downtown area, and Metro Police report that several buildings have collapsed. Two persons were killed in East Nashville. Much of the damage is in the Germantown, Rosa Parks Boulevard area. The Nashville Farmers Market is being used as an emergency shelter. Approximately 44,000 persons are without electricity.
The National Weather Service said the twister touched-down in downtown Nashville in around James Robertson Parkway and Germantown area, near the new ballpark. It reportedly stayed on the ground for a distance of almost 10-miles until it reached Hermitage.
CLICK HERE for CBS News report.
BNA
Nashville International Airport received some damage, but officials report it is open and fully operational. However, some flight crew members are having difficulty getting to the airport due to road conditions in the midstate following the deadly tornados that swept the area. Please check your flight status, as this may cause delays.
MT. JULIET
Mt. Juliet in Wilson County was hit hard by the early Tuesday morning tornado. Two deceased in Wilson County.
The roof of West Wilson Middle School was ripped off. Officials there say the damage is extensive and a shelter has been set-up at Victory Baptist Church at 1777 Tate Lane.
Mt. Juliet Police report that ?Victory Baptist is equipped to assist all, from infants to children to adults to the elderly. There is food, bathroom facilities, entertainment, and sleeping accommodations.
Mt. Juliet Police Captain Chandler says, "Our community has been impacted significantly by a tornado. There are multiple homes damaged and multiple people injured, who we continue to search for. Stay home if you can. Watch for downed power lines. We are in the early stages of this assessment and will provide more details when we can."
COOKEVILLE-PUTNAM COUNTY
The tornado continued eastward across Tennessee and touched-down in Putnam County. 16 persons were reportedly killed, making Putnam County the hardest hit.
Officials say the tornado touched down between the city limits of Baxter to Cookeville.
Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said, "An area on Highway 70 West from Echo Valley west to Hwy 56 seems to be the hardest hit. Also Pippin Road and Locust Grove Road. Multiple homes damaged with several injuries. Several other areas also hit around this area. There are down power lines, so please stay away from the area. Treat every downed power line as live. We have hundreds of first responders in the area working so please stay away from the area."
BENTON COUNTY
The tornado touched down in Benton County, and a 67-year old person was killed in the Ballard Road area near Camden, TN. Four homes were destroyed in that community and about 25 had major damage.
STAY OFF ROADWAYS
Officials in all impacted areas encourage the public to avoid travel in the tornado devastated areas. ?
