It was a scary night in Nashville as a deadly tornado ripped through parts of Downtown and East Nashville, destroying everything in its path. The severe storms left at least seven people dead across Middle Tennessee, according to initial reports.
Over 40 buildings collapsed in and around downtown before the tornado made its way to Hermitage and on to Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, The Associated Press states.
As day breaks across the area, more damage is expected to be reported. Nashville Police and emergency workers are encouraging everyone to stay off the roads, if possible, to allow workers to assess the damage that occurred overnight.
Just filmed a #tornado pass north of my building and just north of the state capital! Wow! pic.twitter.com/HUd40rvdsD
— Sam Shamburger (@shamnadoes) March 3, 2020
“Nashville is hurting, and our community has been devastated,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper Tweeted following the tornado. “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 together as a community once more. Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”
As news of the devastation spread, many country artists took to social media to check in, letting fans know that they are safe and/or ready to help those in need.
Abby Anderson said the tornado was “right across the street,” while Brett Kissel reported that it touched down right outside of his condo.
Kelsea Ballerini, who departed Nashville on a plane before the storms rolled through, took to Twitter to ask how she could help in the aftermath of the storm.
A shelter for those in need has been established at the Nashville Farmers Market located at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. Those interested in helping the Nashville community can donate to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund HERE.
11 am Update: The death toll has now risen to 21.
These pictures are heart breaking of what happened last night. The tornado hit minutes away from my house but we are ok and everything is safe. So many of my friends got hit by the storm though.. Praying for you, Nashville, and anyone who lost their home or loved ones. 💙🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/g8ViNuemix
— Lindsay Ell (@lindsayell) March 3, 2020
Me and my fam are safe but many friends aren’t so lucky. We did live right in one of the worst hit spots a matter of months ago. It’s so crazy. I’m so nervous to find out who the fatalities are. Nashville is so tight knit. 💔 I’m gonna help in any way I can. https://t.co/kfzGmtbixI
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) March 3, 2020
We are ok. I’m in New York and Maren and our house are fine, but our neighborhood is not. Places we have loved for many years don’t look like they are there any more. We are so thankful and devastated at the same time.
— Ryan Hurd (@RyanHurd) March 3, 2020
My family and I are safe. A lot of people aren’t. Praying today and going to see what we can do as a team to help. #nashvilletornado pic.twitter.com/vLCYiiY0vL
— Levi Hummon (@levihummon) March 3, 2020
Lexy and I are ok. Tornado missed us by 100 yards. It’s a very sad day today in Nashville. Many lives lost and homes destroyed. Please pray for this incredible community.
— AUSTIN BURKE (@AUSTINPBURKE) March 3, 2020
My family and I are safe and sound, but this morning reveals terrible damage to this beautiful city. Lives lost. Homes, schools, & businesses destroyed. Our hearts and prayers go out to those most deeply affected, and soon our hands will. Nashville will rise and lift the broken.
— Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) March 3, 2020
The Nashville Tornado has touched down outside our condo. Trees are everywhere, and have crushed a few cars. Most interstate signs to Rosa Parks Blvd are torn off the poles. The AutoZone by our place is absolutely destroyed. But Cece and I are okay. Praying everyone is safe.
— BRETT KISSEL (@BrettKissel) March 3, 2020
Big tornado ripped through my favorite spots in Nash tonight. Including right across the street from me. Hope all my Nash ppl are okay especially my neighbors.
— Abby Anderson (@abbya_music) March 3, 2020
east nashville 💔
— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) March 3, 2020
Pretty sure I just saw a tornado go through #Nashville #nashvilletornado pic.twitter.com/uz91MoqDCE
— Olivia Lane (@olivialanemusic) March 3, 2020
The dogs, our home and I are safe. Thank you to everyone who reached out. My thoughts are with those who lost their homes and businesses during this crazy tornado. The storms aren’t over so stay safe and sheltered, Nashville 🙏
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) March 3, 2020
Our sweet town. 🖤
We’re ok, but Nashville is hurting.— Kelleigh Bannen (@kelleighbannen) March 3, 2020
Oh nashville. 💔 very sad morning. how do we start to help? point me in the right direction and let’s start helping and healing.
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) March 3, 2020
Thankful to God that my family is ok after the #nashvilletornado and thinking about folks who lost someone last night. Sections of town are ripped apart…Hoping we see no more injuries or loss of life.
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) March 3, 2020
Flying home, haven’t seen my place yet. It was close to the path but I think safe thank God. Please pray for my East Nashville neighborhood and friends.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) March 3, 2020
I’m thankful for the well wishes here in Nashville from everyone. There are people that have lost loved ones and their homes. We as NASHVILLE will stand together and help anyone and everyone in need. That’s why I’m proud to live here and call it home.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) March 3, 2020
