Tornado Rips Through Tennessee On Super Tuesday, Killing At Least Nine People

A tornado touched down in Nashville, Tennessee, early in the morning on Tuesday (March 3), killing at least nine people, injuring several more, and demolishing buildings in its path, the Tennessean reported.


“Nashville is hurting, and our community has been devastated. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. Be sure to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, and let's come with each other as a community once more,” Nashville mayor John Cooper tweeted. “Together, we'll get through this and come out stronger.”


The Nashville Fire Department instructed them Tennessean that at least 40 structures collapsed, including homes and schools. NBC News reported that 50,000 households and firms faced power outages around the city. Gas lines are leaking and power lines are down and Nashville schools closed on Tuesday.


“We have people missing, there really are a number of homes flattened, so now we are attempting to set up a command post,” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris instructed them Tennessean.


“The state of Tennessee has activated a strong coordinated response task to last night’s devastating storms,” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee tweeted Tuesday morning. “In the hours ahead, we are going to continue deploying search and rescue teams, initial shelters across the state, and sending emergency employees to our communities hit hardest.”


Meanwhile, Tennesseans are preparing to head to the polls to cast their primary votes on Super Tuesday — despite the road and building closures across the city, including some polling stations, according to NBC affiliate WSMV. Some polling sites will be open for an additional hour, and officials are on high alert to make sure that all locations stay open for the full required 10 hours, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett mentioned on Twitter. It’s unknown how much the mess will alter the outcome of Tuesday’s vote, NBC News points out, although the National Weather Service tweeted that there really are no longer tornado warnings in the area. Although, strong winds are anticipated, so the service recommends Tennesseans "stay alert."


there really are plenty of ways to help Tennesseans, from donating to rescue efforts to volunteering your time. Visit Nashville Scene for more information.