Tennessee Devastated: Deadly Tornadoes Displace Thousands and Cause Widespread Power Outages
Devastating tornadoes sweep Tennessee, leaving thousands displaced and without power Homes destroyed, lives lost A long and costly recovery lies ahead
Over the weekend, powerful tornadoes and storms ravaged Tennessee, leaving thousands displaced and without power. The devastation led to the destruction of hundreds of homes and tragically claimed the lives of at least six people, including a mother and her toddler. In response, local officials have declared states of emergency, opened shelters for displaced families, and announced the closure of schools on Monday in the hardest-hit areas.
Over 18,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages on Monday morning in the state, as early temperatures dropped below freezing and were forecasted to stay below 50 degrees throughout the day. The local utility in Nashville predicts that it may take several days to restore power to some residents, while those in Clarksville have been informed that it could take weeks. Additionally, parts of Hendersonville and the Nashville-suburb Madison were hit by a tornado with peak winds reaching 125 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service reported that a tornado traveled almost 43 miles from Clarksville in Montgomery County to Logan County, causing widespread destruction in both areas. As a result, local school districts have announced that schools in Sumner County will be closed on Monday, and in Montgomery County through Tuesday.
âThere will never be another boy like himâ
Tragedy struck Madison as three lives were lost due to strong winds that resulted in a mobile home rolling on top of another home. The victims were identified as 37-year-old Joseph Dalton, his neighbor Floridema Gabriel Perez, 31, and her two-year-old son, Anthony Elmer Mendez.
Wanda McClemor, residing in the vicinity of the mobile homes, informed CNN affiliate WTVF that after the storm, neighbors came out of their homes and started desperately searching for the mother and child. When their bodies were eventually located, Perez was still holding her son tightly in her arms.
Several different weather hazards will unfold across the East through Monday.
CNN Weather
"They were unable to find it because she was holding, covering, and protecting it," McClemor said, fighting back tears as he spoke of the mother and child.
In Clarksville, three more individuals lost their lives due to a tornado with peak winds at 150 mph, leaving behind over 11 miles of destruction and severely damaging hundreds of buildings, officials reported.
Young Arlan Burnham, just 10 years old, was one of the casualties. His father, Kyle Burnham, recounted to CNN that family friend Billy Urban pulled Arlan from the wreckage.
Our dear friend was the first to arrive and bravely dug out Arlan and our daughter Ella from the wreckage," Burnham expressed. "We owe Billy Urban a great debt for his quick and decisive actions. Without him, Ella might not have survived." According to Burnham, Arlan had a smile that could brighten anyone's day.
"He possessed an extensive knowledge spanning from sports to history and had a reputation for humorously beginning sentences with 'Did you know?' before sharing a fun fact," Burnham shared. "He was the miracle baby that doctors said my wife could never have. There will never be another boy like him."
The family also suffered the loss of their home and belongings in the tragedy, Burnham added. A family friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid the family's recovery.
A difficult, expensive road to recovery
An aerial view of damaged homes a day after a tornado hit Madison, Tennessee.
Kevin Wurm/Reuters
"Devastation is widespread," remarked Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts as he assessed the destruction on Sunday.
According to Clarksville officials, 91 buildings have been demolished and 271 are deemed "uninhabitable" due to severe damage. The majority of the devastation is to residential homes, as stated in a Facebook post by officials.
Jimmie Edwards, director of Montgomery County emergency services, expressed concern for the many families who are suffering, particularly those who have lost everything. Outside Fort Campbell, about 100 military families have lost their homes, and Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Midberry mentioned that the military is collaborating with community leaders to provide support for these families.
Officials in Tennessee are now assessing the damage caused by the recent disaster, which is expected to cost around $3 million in Nashvilles Davidson County alone, according to local emergency management director chief William Swann. He also mentioned that the estimated cost could change as the assessment progresses.
Storm damage on Nesbitt Lane in Madison, Tennessee, on Saturday.
Nashville Office of Emergency Management
Tennessee tornadoes have resulted in at least 6 fatalities, numerous injuries, and over 35,000 people left without electricity. The areas most affected have seen homes destroyed and damaged, with photos showing some residences completely torn apart while others are missing roofs, windows, and large sections of siding. The aftermath also includes overturned vehicles, debris blocking roads, and downed trees scattered throughout the area.
Many business owners on Main Street in Hendersonville are facing severe damage to their storefronts and power outages, according to a report from CNN affiliate WTVF. Teresa Spraggins, who works at her son's auto repair shop, stated that the building is now unrecognizable.
"The structure has collapsed. The only support left are the twisted steel trusses," Spraggins reported.
"In this community, everyone is connected. We are familiar with all the people affected, from Steves Auto Pro to Tommys. It's truly heartbreaking," Spraggins lamented.
But at the end of the day, Spraggins is grateful that no deaths were reported in Hendersonville.
"I would rather lose everything in this town except for a life," she said.
CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford and CNNs Nouran Salahieh and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.
