Tennessee storms leave at least 6 dead, dozens injured

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At least six people were killed and others injured after tornadoes rolled through Tennessee on Saturday.

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Montgomery County officials confirmed three people are dead, including two adults and one child, after a tornado touched down in Clarksville on Saturday afternoon. Twenty-three people were sent for treatment at local hospitals. Authorities said they are continuing to search for more survivors.

“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 obtained by The Associated Press. “The city stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”

National Weather Service said on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that the tornadoes were in the Clarksville and Nashville areas, The Associated Press reported.

“This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes. This community pulls together like no other and we will be here until the end,” Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden said.

Around 5 p.m. local time, a “large and dangerous” tornado was confirmed in Davidson County, according to the Nashville Office of Emergency Management. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has declared of state of emergency for Metro Nashville and Davidson County.

The Metro Nashville Police Department identified the three deceased individuals as Joseph Dalton, 37; Floridema Gabriel Perez, 31; and Anthony Elmer Mendez, 2, according to WKRN. Two other children were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said.

Thirteen people were transported to a hospital after reports of a building collapse at a church at 3838 Dickerson Pike. The Nashville Office of Emergency Management said that they are all in stable condition.

“We mourn the lives lost and ask that everyone continue to follow guidance from local and state officials,” Tennessee Gov. BIll Lee said in a statement.

More storms are expected Sunday on the East Coast.

“Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible through Sunday evening across parts of the Southeast States, mainly in the form of sporadic damaging winds and a few brief tornadoes,” NOAA said.

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Storms rip through Tennessee MADISON, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 10: A child's ride-on vehicle is seen amongst downed tree branches in the aftermath of a tornado on December 10, 2023 in Madison, Tennessee. Multiple long-track tornadoes were reported in northwest Tennessee on December 9th causing multiple deaths and injuries and widespread damage. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)