Multiple tornadoes and severe thunderstorms tore through Tennessee, leaving a path of destruction and claiming the lives of at least six people. The storms overturned cars, ripped apart buildings, and caused widespread devastation in several areas.
In the Clarksville area of Montgomery County, at least three people, including a child, died after an apparent tornado struck the region. Nearly two dozen people were treated for injuries at a hospital, and the county entered a “search and rescue phase” as they looked for survivors and possibly additional victims.
Footage obtained by CNN showed a tornado churning across a Clarksville road, flinging debris into the air and sparking power lines as it ripped through the area. The aftermath of the storm left cars tossed on their roofs, downed trees, and debris littering roads, and multiple buildings with roofs and walls ripped off.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts expressed his devastation and declared a state of emergency in the wake of the storm, enacting a 9 p.m. curfew. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee thanked state and local responders, expressing condolences for the lives lost and urging Tennesseans to follow guidance from officials.
In Madison, Tennessee, just north of Nashville, another three people were confirmed dead as a result of the storms. Severe damage was reported in the area, where emergency management officials were working to assess and assist as needed.
As Tennessee grappled with the aftermath, more storms were forecasted to hit the Eastern US on Sunday, with winds expected to reach up to 60 mph at times, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions. From Florida to New England, widespread rain totals of 1 to 2 inches were expected, with a few thunderstorms becoming severe, posing a risk for damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.
Local officials urged residents to stay off the roads and to call the Red Cross if they’ve been displaced. There was a long road of healing and recovery ahead for many residents affected by the devastating storms.