Tornado leaves at least six people dead as buildings torn to pieces

AT least six people are dead and nearly two dozen others injured after possible tornadoes touched down in Middle Tennessee.

Widespread damage has been reported to buildings and homes following severe weather that swept across the region on Saturday afternoon.

Three deaths – including one child – have been confirmed in Clarksville by the Montgomery County Mayor’s office, per The Tennessean.

Another three deaths were reported by the Nashville Office of Emergency Management in Madison.

In addition, at least 23 people are being treated at nearby hospitals, Montgomery County officials said.

Multiple parts of Tennessee were under tornado warnings by the National Weather Service.

A tornado watch remains in effect through 9 pm in the following counties: Lawrence, Macon, Maury, Rutherford, Smith, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson. 

Meanwhile, first responders and residents have begun dealing with the storm’s remnants.

“Significant storm damage reported in Sumner County,” the Sumner County Emergency Management Agency posted on social media just after 6 pm local time.

“Lots of emergency crews out assessing damage and responding to active emergencies including lines down, gas leaks, structural collapses and vehicle crashes.” 

More than 60,000 customers remained without power in Middle Tennessee as of 6:45 pm local time, The Tennessean reported.

In Nashville, residents have been urged to stay home.

“Please be extremely careful in Nashville right now, especially in areas where the tornado passed through,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said via social media.

“It’s dark and raining, and down power lines can be a risk … If you’re concerned about something, call it in; don’t risk DIY.”

Tennessee Representative Ronnie Glynn released a statement following news of the storms.

“I’m praying for Clarksville deeply and urgently this evening,” Glynn said.

“We will work together to build our community back.”

“This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who lost loved ones,” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said in a statement.

“The city stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”

While residents should remain off the roads in Clarksville, anyone who has been displaced should go to Northeast High School.

Video shared on social media showed the sky turning orange after a fireball was seen going up in the air.

WILD WEATHER

Middle Tennessee isn’t the only part of the United States experiencing wild weather.

Three counties in Alabama are under a tornado watch until Sunday at 2 am.

The affected counties are Blount, Cherokee, and Etowah.

Then, a flood watch has been issued for more than 56 million Americans ahead of severe storms moving through the East Coast on Sunday and Monday.

The flood watch affects states ranging from Maryland up to Maine.

Areas could see between two and four inches of rainfall total.

The heaviest rain is expected to fall Sunday night into Monday morning.

On top of that, parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Maine are under a high wind watch or a high wind warning.

New York City is under a high wind watch, marking the first time in about three years such an alert has been issued in the area.

Other coastal areas are under a wind advisory.

These alerts and advisories are all related to the weather system moving through combined with abnormally warm temperatures.