We gathered safety tips for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
We gathered tips on how to receive weather warnings, talk to loved ones and have a plan for severe weather.
Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region are facing multiple rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms on Wednesday through early Thursday morning. A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Middle Tennessee until 3 a.m. Thursday.
Damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes are all possible, according to the National Weather Service. The threat of flash flooding is higher for areas that have already experienced or will experience periods of heavy rain, mainly along and north of Interstate 40.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty as with any forecast,” the weather service said in a news release. “Things will not be bad for every single person in Middle TN, but some people could have a bad day/night if the right storm ingredients come together.”
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The severe weather and flash flooding threat will continue into the overnight hours, the National Weather Service said.
“This event is far from over,” the weather service said in its evening update. “Storms through the next few hours will be scattered, but still very impactful.”
Significant flash flooding will continue as multiple flash flood emergencies and warnings remain in place until 7 a.m. Thursday.
The threat of damaging winds will be the highest with the overnight round of storms. Large hail and tornadoes are still possible, the weather service said.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected until about midnight. Then widespread storms are expected between midnight and 6 a.m. Thursday. Both rounds have the potential to be severe, the weather service said.
How to get weather alerts overnight: Here’s how to prepare for severe weather in Tennessee: Safe rooms, weather alerts, supplies
Rutherford County Schools announced that it would close Thursday due to “several flooding issues,” as well as areas without electricity and downed trees in a post on X, the site formerly known on Twitter.
The post also said the son of Rutherford County’s Director of Schools was involved in, “an accident tonight during the storm. He is stable but critical and is receiving medical treatment.”
It was not immediately known how old the director’s son was or how he was injured.
The district is asking the community to keep the family in its thoughts and prayers.
A shelter station will be set up for displaced Columbia families at Riverside Elementary School, 203 Carter St., Maury County Emergency Management officials said Wednesday at a 9 p.m. media briefing.
Maury County Public Schools will be closed Thursday.
Maury County Director of Emergency Management Jeff Hardy said buses will be available to transport affected families and a command post will be set up at Maury County Fire Station No. 10, 1520 Lasea Rd., for anyone else seeking assistance.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Coffee, Grundy and Warren Counties until 9:30 p.m.
Nashville and Middle Tennesee will remain under a tornado watch until 3 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
The watch covers 38 Middle Tennessee counties including: Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.
Wilson County Emergency Management Agency Director Joey Cooper reported 10 roads flooded in Lebanon with four impassable, two trees blocking roads and one transformer fire.
The director also reported that seven roads were flooded and 13 trees were blocking roads roads, causing three to be impassable in Wilson County outside the city limits. There were structures with minor damage along State Route 109 near the Sumner County line.
No injuries were reported in Wilson County by Cooper Wednesday evening with crews still assessing storm damage.
One person is dead and four others injured after a tornado tore through Maury County Wednesday, according to the Maury County Regional Hospital.
Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries while one is in serious condition.
More: Columbia tornado: One death confirmed in tornado near Bear Creek Pike, shelter to open
The identity of the person who died was not released.
The death is the second in Tennessee. A 22-year-old man died in Claiborne County after a tree fell on his vehicle Wednesday morning.
More bad weather is coming, according to the National Weather Service in Nashville.
Another round of storms is set to march through Middle Tennessee Wednesday close to midnight, after midnight and close to daybreak Thursday, and it will include damaging winds, hail and possibly more tornadoes, said Alyssa Clements, a meteorologist with the service.
“People should stay aware through tonight,” Clements said. “It is not over.”
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Warren and White counties until 8 p.m.
A tornado touched down in Maury County in eastern Columbia off Bear Creek Pike, resulting in some damage, National Weather Service and Maury County officials say.
Trees down, blocked roads and scattered debris are strewn along Bear Creek Pike and the surrounding area near Interstate 65. Bear Creek Pike from Tom J Hitch to I-65 is shut down, Maury County Office of Emergency Management confirmed.
“We are receiving reports of damage,” Maury County Office of Emergency Management posted to its Facebook on Wednesday. “We are urging everyone to stay off roads if you can stay at home.”
“Cranford Hollow Road off Bear Creek Pike experienced damage to some structures as well as trees and power lines. Possible cars are flipped over and initial reports of some people trapped in their homes,” Maury County Commission Board Chairman Eric Previti said.
A new tornado warning for Bedford, Marshall and Rutherford counties will remain in place until 7:45 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
Multiple swift water rescues were reported across Sumner and Robertson counties.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for those two counties until 10 p.m.
Thousands are without power after several rounds of damaging storms moved through Middle Tennessee.
Outages as of 6 p.m. include:
- Nashville and area served by Nashville Electric Service: 5,518
- Montgomery County (Cumberland Membership Electric Corp.): 2,996
- Sumner County (CMEC): 3,163
A tornado warning will remain in place through 6:45 p.m. for Bedford, Marshall, Maury, Rutherford and Williamson counties, the National Weather Service said.
“A confirmed tornado was located 8 miles southeast of Spring Hill, or 15 miles east of Columbia, moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service said.
The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency reported the 911 dispatch center receiving calls from residents about damage.
Reports came in from the area of Blackburn Hollow and Tobe Robertson Road.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Macon, Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson counties until 6:30 p.m.
Locations impacted include: Gallatin, Hartsville, Bledsoe Creek State Park, Dickerson Chapel Recreation Area and Bethpage.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency for Sorthern Maury County, Southern Williamson County and Southwestern Rutherford County.
A tornado emergency is the weather service’s highest alert level.
“At 5:52 p.m., a confirmed large and destructive tornado was located near Spring Hill, or 9 miles east of Columbia, moving northeast at 25 mph,” the weather service said.
The National Weather Service reported a possible tornado near Spring Hill and Columbia, moving northeast at 30 mph.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the weather service said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
Areas impacted include: Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station, I-65 east of Columbia, Chapel Hill and Eagleville.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Williamson, Marshall, Maury and Rutherford counties until 6:15 p.m.
“At 5:40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Columbia, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said.
Areas in the warning include: Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill, I-65 east of Columbia, Chapel Hill and Eagleville.
The National Weather Service canceled a recent a tornado warning for northeastern Davidson, southwestern Sumner and southeastern Robertson counties.
The National Weather Service issued a new tornado warning for Cheatham and Robertson counties until 5:30 p.m. A tornado warning continues for Lewis and Maury counties until 5:45 p.m.
“At 4:59 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Coopertown, or 9 miles west of Springfield, moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service said.
Tennis ball-sized hail began falling in Clarksville on Wednesday. According to the weather service, hail is also a major concern for surrounding areas including Perry, Humphreys, Cheatham, and Robertson Counties.
The National Weather Service issued another tornado warning, this time for Dickson, Houston and Montgomery counties.
The warning will remain in place until 5:15 p.m.
“This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Dickson, south central Montgomery and northeastern Houston Counties,” the weather service said.
The weather service also extended the warning in place for Hickman, Lewis and Maury counties until 5:15 p.m.
A flash flood warning is still in effect for Northeastern Cheatham, Northeastern Davidson, Northeastern Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner Counties until 5:45 p.m.
The weather service announced thunderstorms have the potential to cause “life threatening” flash flooding near creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
According to the weather service, flash flooding is occurring in or areas near Portland, Handleytown, Reubensville, Orlinda, Cross Plains, Cedar Hill, Port Royal, Walnut Grove, Gallatin, Springfield, Madison, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, White House, Millersville, Greenbrier, Coopertown, Lakewood, Westmoreland, Ridgetop, Joelton, Old Hickory, Pleasant View, and Adams.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southern Stewart and Houston counties until 4:30 p.m.
“At 4:06 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles east of Springville, or 11 miles southeast of Paris Landing State Park, moving east at 40 mph,” the weather service said.
The weather service also issued warnings for Lewis, Wayne and Perry counties until 4:45 p.m.
The tornado warning for Northwestern Montgomery and Northeastern Stewart Counties remains in effect until 4:30 p.m. At 3:48 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 11 miles southwest of Fort Campbell, moving east at 35 mph, said the weather service.
The storm will be near Clarksville around 4:00 p.m., said the weather service. Other impacted areas include Indian Mound and Woodlawn.
According to the the weather service, severe thunderstorms began to cross the Tennessee River as of 3:37 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Perry, Humphreys and Hickman Counties until 4:15 p.m.
At 3:42 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles northwest of Linden, moving northeast at 45 mph said the weather service.
The National Weather Service extended their tornado watch to 19 more counties. The watch, which includes Nashville, will continue until 9 p.m.
Counties in the watch include:
- Bedford
- Cannon
- Cheatham
- Clay
- Coffee
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- DeKalb
- Dickson
- Fentress
- Giles
- Grundy
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Lewis
- Macon
- Marshall
- Maury
- Montgomery
- Overton
- Perry
- Pickett
- Putnam
- Robertson
- Rutherford
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sumner
- Trousdale
- Van Buren
- Warren
- Wayne
- White
- Williamson
- Wilson
The National Weather Service extended the tornado warning for Robertson County until 3:45 p.m.
They also issued a tornado warning for northern Stewart County until 4 p.m.
The National Weather Service said they received a report of flooding at White House High School.
Photos posted on X, the site formerly known at Twitter, appeared to show flood waters inside the school.
Sumner County Schools announced they’d hold busses in the White house and Portland areas until the weather threat passeed.
Cloverbrook Way at the intersection of Liberty Lane in Gallatin was closed due to flooding from Lower Station Camp Creek at the intersection of Liberty Lane in Gallatin.
Lower Station Camp Creek Road is also closed due to flooding. The area is near the Carellton subdivision. The Gallatin Police Department is encouraging people to take an alternate route.
The deepest section of flooding is estimated at three feet, by Gallatin Director of Public Works Richard DePriest.
“It there is anyone sees water in the road don’t even chance it,” DePriest said. “Turn around if at all possible.”
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for eastern Montgomery County and northern Robertson County until 3:15 p.m.
The weather service confirmed a tornado was located 7 miles northwest of Coopertown, about 10 miles west of Springfield and moving northeast at 30 mph.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for five counties including Nashville.
Cheatham, Davidson, Montgomery, Robertson and Sumner counties will be under the warning until 5:45 p.m.
Nashville is now under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The warning primarily concerns northern Davidson County.
“A severe thunderstorm was located near Ashland City, moving northeast at 25 mph,” the weather service said.
This warning, which extends to Cheatham and Robertson counties, includes: Springfield, Ashland City, Madison, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Coopertown, Lakewood, Ridgetop, Joelton, Beaman Park, Bells Bendand Whites Creek.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for northwestern Cheatham and central Montgomery counties until 2:30 p.m.
“A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles south of Clarksville, moving northeast at 15 mph,” the weather service said.
The radar indicated rotation in the storm, according to the weather service.
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning for Montgomery, Cheatham and Robertson counties until 2:45 p.m.
“A severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles southwest of Clarksville, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said.
Hail damage is expected as well as wind damage with gusts up to 60 mph.
“Remain alert for a possible tornado,” the weather service said. “Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.”
The main line of storms will continue to move through Middle Tennessee Wednesday night, said the weather service in a news release.
Flash flooding continues to be a concern, especially north of I-40 where heavy rain has already fallen. According to the weather service, locations north of I-40 have already received 2-4 inches of rain, but could see totals of 6-8 inches or more.
The weather service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, as well as Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky until 9 p.m.
A few tornadoes are likely as well as scattered, tennis ball-sized hail, and winds with speeds up to 80 mph.
The counties under the tornado watch include:
- Cheatham
- Clay
- Davidson
- Dickson
- Fentress
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Macon
- Montgomery
- Overton
- Pickett
- Putnam
- Robertson
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sumner
- Trousdale
- Wilson
As storms move through a dump more rain on the region, flooding is a big concern, the National Weather Service said.
“Flash flooding is likely, particularly north of I-40 where heavy rain has already fallen,” the weather servie said.
The Nashville Department of Transportation reminded motorists about the dangers of driving through flood waters.
“If you see barricades or signs indicating a flooded road, do not attempt to cross,” the department said on social media. “Take an alternate route or wait until floodwaters recede.”
Cheatham County schools announced on social media that all after school activities will be canceled on Wednesday, May 8. Daycares will close at 5 p.m.
Houston County Schools announced early dismissal at 2 p.m. while Stewart County Schools announced closure at 1:30 p.m.
Robertson County schools also canceled after school activities. The school system announced on social media that after school daycares will close at 4 p.m.
Sumner County Schools also canceled after school activities.
Follow all closures here: These Middle Tennessee districts are dismissing early, closing due to weather
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Smith County and northern Wilson County until 1:15 p.m.
The area in the warning has already received between 1 and 3 inches of rain, the weather service said.
“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to the advisory. “Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Do not be deceived, just because that first wave of rain is over more is on the way, the weather service said.
“We’ve already seen severe storms across Middle Tennessee this morning,” the weather service said on social media. “Although storms will decrease into midday, they will increase again this afternoon/evening when the main threat of damaging winds, large hail, flooding and a few tornadoes is expected.”
The weather service signed off on their note with a simple message.
“Keep staying weather aware today,” they said.
A flood watch is in effect until 7 a.m. on Thursday for most of Middle Tennessee.
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms will bring heavy rain. Nashville and surrounding areas are expected to receive between two and three inches of rain, however, amounts could be higher during heavy downpours, the weather service said. Rivers, creeks and streams are expected to rise.
According to the weather service, severe weather is to be expected throughout most of the day on Wednesday and overnight.
Until the evening hours, thunderstorms will be scattered and not everyone will see them. However, during the overnight hours (midnight to 6 a.m.), the storms will become widespread and everyone will likely see them at some point. The threat of damaging winds will be higher with this round. Severe storms are possible with all rounds, the service said.
A few, strong tornadoes are also possible. Nashville and the surrounding areas are at moderate risk. The weather service is also warning of potentially golf ball-sized hail and damaging wind gusts of 70 mph.
Nashville area radar
Nashville forecast
Wednesday: Severe weather threat enhanced with two rounds of storms from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. then 10 p.m. through sunrise. A few tornados, large hail and damaging winds possible. Highs around 84 with overnight lows around 66.
Thursday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. then mostly sunny with highs near 82. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight with lows around 55.
Friday: Sunny with a high near 69 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Overnight lows around 51.
Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., sunny and highs near 74 with over night lows around 52.
Sunday: Sunny with a high near 76 and lows around 54.
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Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.