NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Severe weather rolled through Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky on Saturday, leaving six dead and at least 38 injured.
Deaths, damage reported in Clarksville
A State of Emergency and public curfew have been declared in Clarksville following the tornado that hit the northern part of the city during the early afternoon hours on Saturday, Dec. 9, causing extensive damage.
According to Clarksville and Montgomery County officials, two adults and one child died because of the tornado. In addition, 23 people have been treated at the hospital.
The American Red Cross said a shelter for those impacted by the severe weather is located at Northeast High School on Trenton Road. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said another shelter is located at Church of Christ at Trenton Crossing, also on Trenton Road.
Clarksville and Montgomery County government, law enforcement, and emergency officials are set to hold a briefing about the storm at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.
Deaths, damage reported in Davidson County
Around 5 p.m., cameras caught a confirmed tornado moving through Davidson County. Video shows the storm moving through the area, causing a handful of explosions in its path.
The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said three people died in the area of Nesbitt Lane in Madison because of the storm. The Metro Nashville Police Department identified those victims as 37-year-old Joseph Dalton; 31-year-old Floridema Gabriel Perez; and Perez’s son, 2-year-old Anthony Elmer Mendez.
In addition, 13 people were hospitalized following reports of a building collapse at the Community Church along Dickerson Pike, according to Nashville OEM.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell declared a State of Emergency for Metro Nashville and Davidson County, allowing the locality to obtain state and federal resources to help in the storm’s aftermath. O’Connell will join other local officials and first responders for a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Red Cross said it is managing a shelter in Nashville at Isaac Litton Middle School along Hedgewood Drive. However, Nashville OEM said Red Cross' shelter is supposed to open at the Isaac Litton Alumni Center on Gallatin Pike by 2 a.m. on Sunday, ready to accommodate displaced individuals and families, including their pets.
Damage reported in Sumner County
The City of Gallatin proclaimed a State of Emergency late Saturday night because of the severe weather.
Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown said both Gallatin and Hendersonville sustained significant damage because of the tornado. However, Brown also said no deaths or life-threatening injuries have been reported, citing Sumner County Emergency Medical Services.
Two people suffered minor injuries in Hendersonville after the roof of Big Play -- an arcade along West Main Street -- collapsed, according to police officers on scene.
Red Cross said it is managing a Hendersonville shelter at Beech High School on Long Hollow Pike.
Damage reported in Dickson County
According to Dickson County officials, the Claylick/White Bluff area sustained the most damage. First responders have conducted multiple searches for victims while the Dickson County Highway Department cleared as many roads as possible and Dickson Electric Service removed its lines from the debris.
The Cumberland Furnace Volunteer Fire Department reportedly spent the afternoon and evening handling issues in its service area, especially in the Gamble Hollow and Freeman Loop areas.
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"Even with all the damage, thankfully, no fatalities have been reported," Mayor Bob Rial stated.
Safety teams are set to begin a damage assessment Sunday morning in the Claylick/White Bluff area before moving onto the Cumberland Furnace area. Meanwhile, the YMCA is open to house anyone who may need shelter.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) issued the following statement on the deadly tornado outbreak:
Our hearts and minds are with all Tennesseans and their families that have been impacted by the tornadoes and severe weather that swept through our state. As we begin the initial assessments, the Volunteer spirit has been on full display as many people have reached out about what they can do to help the communities that have been affected. Until we have a better idea of what kinds of supplies, assistance, donations, etc. that these communities need, we ask that you please refrain from sending anything that has not been requested by the state or local authorities. As recovery efforts continue, we encourage everyone to continue to follow our social media and website at www.tn.gov/tema as updates will be made there.
Blood Assurance said officials had to ship extra blood, platelet, and plasma units to several Middle Tennessee hospitals treating patients with storm-related injuries. All donation centers will be open Monday. Donors can schedule an appointment here, though walk-ins will also be accepted.
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