Destructive tornadoes strike Tennessee, leaving six dead and widespread damage, U.S.
A series of destructive tornadoes swept through Tennessee on December 9, 2023, hitting areas including Nashville and Clarksville. At least 6 people have been killed, including two adults and one child in Montgomery County, and more than 23 people were injured. The tornadoes caused extensive property damage, downed trees and power lines, and led to widespread power outages, affecting thousands of residents across the state.
The city of Nashville, located in Davidson County, confirmed three deaths through its Office of Emergency Management, though specific details have not been disclosed.
Montgomery County, home to the town of Clarksville, reported three additional fatalities, including two adults and a child. This information was released in an update shortly after 20:00 EST. Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden expressed his condolences, emphasizing the community’s resilience and commitment to support those affected.
The tornadoes injured at least 23 individuals who were subsequently treated at local hospitals. Reports indicated over a dozen tornado occurrences in Tennessee and Kentucky from Saturday into the night. Dickson County, approximately 48 km (30 miles) west of Nashville, also experienced significant damage, with downed trees and power lines obstructing roads.
A dispatcher from Dickson County highlighted the extent of the damage during a call with weather.com around 18:20 EST. Although minor injuries were reported in the county, fortunately, there were no fatalities.
In Clarksville, police responded to extensive damage caused by a tornado that touched down around 13:30 EST. Residents were advised to stay indoors, and plans to use an elementary school as a shelter were canceled due to a power outage.
PowerOutage.us reported approximately 21 000 homes and businesses without electricity as of 17:30 EST. Clarksville, near the U.S. Army’s Fort Campbell and home to around 175 000 residents, did not report any damage to military facilities.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office urged the community to shelter in place and avoid roadways due to ongoing hazards. In neighboring Kentucky, Todd County reported damage to homes, trees, and power lines.
Earlier on Saturday, a tornado struck Weakley County, about 177 km (110 miles) northwest of Nashville, resulting in several injuries. Emergency Management Director Ray Wiggington confirmed the impact on the towns of Sharon and Dresden. Social media updates revealed significant damage to two homes, hospitalization of two individuals, and impacts on a National Guard armory and a factory.
The National Weather Service issued warnings for a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” near Sharon. The same system affected Gibson County, causing damage but no immediate injuries.
References:
1 At Least Six Dead In Tennessee Tornadoes – weather.com – December 10, 2023
2 Short Range Forecast Discussion – NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD – 1035 PM EST Sat Dec 09 2023
Featured image credit: Clarksville Fire Rescue
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