Tennessee severe weather: Death toll hits 5 as Nashville braces for more storms, flooding

Many in Middle Tennessee woke up Thursday to several volleys of tornado warnings, lightning, thunder and a lot of rain as round after round of severe weather blew through the region.

By Thursday night, the death toll had grown to five in Tennessee, state officials confirmed, and they said the worst wasn't behind the Volunteer State.

The biggest issue heading into Friday and beyond is flooding, which on Thursday stalled vehicles on Interstate 65 and caused at least one crash on Interstate 40.

The storms are part of what is expected to be an active couple of days of severe weather. While West Tennessee is expected to bear the brunt of these storms, Middle Tennessee can expect significant rain, flash flooding, large hail, straight line winds and possible tornadoes.

Nashville is expected to get between 5-6 inches of rain, while Clarksville is expected to get between 8-10 inches by the end of the weekend.

Follow here for live updates from this round of severe weather.

Death toll rises to 5; Lee to residents, 'Don't let your guard down'

Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday night urged Tennesseans to remain vigilant as a series of powerful storms will continue to pummel the region with more possible tornado warnings, hail and flash flooding in the coming days.

“This storm is going to continue,” Lee said in a news conference at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Nashville. “There will be continued tornado warnings. There’s continued flooding, and there’s continued dangers for Tennesseans. The main message tonight is: ‘Don’t let your guard down.’”

Deadly storms and tornadoes have ravaged West and Middle Tennessee, bringing possible flooding in their wake, meteorologists have warned.

TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan on Thursday confirmed five storm-related deaths, but the number could grow, he said. The deaths include one person each in Carroll, McNairy and Obion counties and two people in Fayette County.

Lee on Thursday toured the devastation in the town of Selmer in McNairy County, where a preliminary EF-3 with 160 mph winds wiped out entire neighborhoods in the early morning hours.

“What I saw today was heartbreaking,” he said.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Husted said West and Middle Tennessee could see some lull in activity on Friday afternoon and evening, but another set of severe storms is expected Saturday that could bring catastrophic flooding to an already saturated ground.

“Saturday is the day that concerns me the most right now,” he said. “Saturday is a dangerous day going into Saturday night for flash flooding.’

Tennessee remains in a state of emergency, with the Trump Administration granting swift approval for a federal emergency declaration, Lee said.

The governor said Tennessee is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for direct assistance and will determine what additional aid is necessary.

―Kelly Puente, The Tennessean

Current weather updates: Maury County tornado warning canceled

The National Weather Service in Nashville has canceled the tornado warning for southeastern Maury County after Maury County Park was evacuated a second time during popular Mule Day festivities.

Events began Thursday without interruption, organizers said. The festival is scheduled to run through April 6.

Per Mule Day emergency protocol, park campers were evacuated to nearby Columbia Central High School as a precaution once severe weather warnings began to roll in Thursday, Mule Day PR Director Louise Mills said. About 1,000 campers reserved a space for Mule Day 2025 events scheduled through the weekend, Mills said.

Event organizers were planning to monitor rainfall amounts overnight Thursday, Mills said.

"All scheduled events took place in partly sunny weather today," she said. "Some people couldn't believe that we had sunny weather most of the day, maybe a few sprinkles. We will see how the weather goes tonight. Tomorrow will be determined by the water we get tonight."

Maury County Park, Mule Day evacuated second time Thursday

Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup said Maury County Park is evacuating for the second time Thursday as the department tracks a storm system from Summerton. The park is hosting popular Mule Day festivities this week.

Tornado warning in Maury County

A tornado warning was issued in Maury County until 7 p.m.

Williamson County tornado warning canceled

The tornado warning covering Williamson County has been canceled.

Family loses home after lightning strike causes fire

Amid the onslaught of statewide tornado and flood warnings early Thursday, a lightening strike led to the destruction of one Cheatham County family's home, officials report.

Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene around midnight in the Eastland Estates neighborhood.

They were joined by the Ashland City Fire Department, Cheatham County Emergency Medical Services and Cheatham County Emergency Management Agency.

The Ashland City Fire Department posted on Facebook Thursday that crews arrived to find "the home with fire coming from the attic" after an apparent lighting strike.

"I would say it's 100% a lightening strike," Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Trey Nelms said.

Though the home had fire sprinklers inside, it was extensively damaged.

"The areas that are not considered livable space don't have to be sprinkled ... on our arrival, the whole attic area was on fire ... a fire that was pretty advanced on arrival," Nelms said.

"It's a total loss. It burned the whole roof off."

People were inside the home when the strike and subsequent fire occurred, Nelms said, noting that no injuries were reported to any civilians or firefighters and no other structures caught fire.

"Everybody was able to get out, and we were able to get some personal belongings for them like medicines," he said.

— Katie Nixon, The Tennessean

Tree damage reported at Cedars of Lebanon

Tree damage at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon from storms Thursday forced all trails to close as staff works to clean up, according to Eric Ward, of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

It wasn’t immediately clear how long the closure would be necessary. No injuries were reported.

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office also reported storm damage in the vicinity, including downed trees, power lines and debris. Locations with damage include:

• Murfreesboro Road

• East Richmond Shop Road

• SE Tater Peeler Road

• Sparta Pike

• Chicken Road

• Cainsville Road.

— Andy Humbles, The Tennessean

Selmer hit by EF-3 tornado, NWS preliminary report says

The weather service says the City of Selmer was likely hit Wednesday by an EF-3 tornado with estimated peak wind speeds reaching 160 mph, according to a preliminary report

Metro Parks closes various facilities

Metro Parks and Recreation has closed various parks facilities and amenities due to flooding.

The list includes Shelby Park, where the area near Lake Sevier Dam and Spillway Road has water spilling into the roadway, and seven golf courses – Ted Rhodes, Harpeth Hills, McCabe, Two Rivers, Percy Warner, Shelby and Vinny Links.

The full list shared by Metro Parks Thursday afternoon also includes Bells Bend Outdoor Center, England Park, Fair Park, Fort Negley Visitors Center, Mullins Park, Mill Creek Greenway at Antioch Park (section under Blue Hole Road bridge), Peeler Park Greenway, Riverfront Park Landing, Warner Park Nature Center, West Park, Whites Creek Greenway and portions of the Stones River Greenway (at Kohl’s Trailhead to the boardwalk and the Percy Priest Trailhead to McCory Creek section).

In addition to the various park and greenway closures, Metro Parks has also canceled Dance Division and Visual Arts classes. Beaman Park Nature Center remains open today, but hours may vary over the next three days.

The list may continue to grow through the next several days. Metro Parks is encouraging Nashvillians to check the website at www.nashville.gov/parks for the latest information on closures.

— Austin Hornbostel

Freddie O'Connell asks residents to plan

As Nashville braces for more severe weather, Mayor Freddie O’Connell is encouraging Nashvillians to remain vigilant for signs of dangerous flooding.

The mayor’s office shared a video message about preparedness for a second night of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes in Davidson County. In the video, O’Connell noted that homes located in a flood plain are most at risk.

“Right now, our rivers and streams are manageable,” O’Connell said. “But the smaller the stream, the larger the risk.”

If you’re unsure whether your residence is located in a flood plain, you can find out for sure by entering your address on the Nashville.gov parcel viewer.

— Austin Hornbostel

Latest storm updates: Tornado warnings canceled

The weather service canceled the tornado warnings issued for Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson Counties.

Gov. Bill Lee describes Selmer devastation

Standing in front of rows of cots in the emergency shelter set up in Selmer's Civic center, Governor Bill Lee described the devastating circumstances he witnessed in the community that had been "hard hit and devastated.""There was a tornado here just a couple years ago. Once again, they're facing what is just heartbreaking circumstances," he said.He praised the consolidated efforts of local entities "all coming together to make sure the people of this community are seen and taken care of.""What's really encouraging is seeing what's going on behind us," he said. "Volunteers, non-profits, churches and people in this community coming together. In the worst of times, this is when the best of Tennessee shows up. It's happening here in McNairy County."Lee said that while he has not been in contact with President Donald Trump, the president did issue an emergency declaration for the state as a result of Lee's request made yesterday.

Patrick Sheehan, director of Tennessee Emergency Management, said that six states including Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida are prepared to send swiftwater rescue assets when needed, thanks to a state mutual aid agreement.

Mobilizing to help Selmer

Gov. Bill Lee said that "preparations" for an expected increase in flooding over the next few days are "already underway.""There's a lot of work to do," he said. U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Germantown also said: " we were here with County Mayor Smith almost 2 years to the day when this happened previously. I have been very impressed with the coordination from local leadership." 

Latest storm updates: Tornado warning issued

A tornado warning has been issued by the weather service for Rutherford, Maury and Williamson Counties.

At 3:43 p.m., severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado was located near Spring Hill, moving northeast at 50 mph.

Severe thunderstorm warning in multiple counties

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 4:30 p.m. in south central Davidson, west central Rutherford, northeastern Maury and Williamson Counties.

Hail two inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph expected.

A tornado watch remains in place for Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m.

Ground stop issued at Nashville International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights at Nashville International Airport due to thunderstorms through 4:30 p.m.

Dumpster, car found in creek in Green Hills

An abandoned car and dumpster were swept into a creek in Green Hills.The car was sitting under a bridge in front of the Green Hills YMCA Thursday afternoon.The blue sedan had amassed a collection of vines and brush, lost its windshield and windows and had its hood crinkled along its journey through Sugartree Creek.According to a YMCA employee directing traffic early Thursday afternoon, the vehicle’s owner had stopped by to see it earlier in the day.Under one bridge north of the YMCA on Hillsboro Circle, a dumpster was lodged in the rushing water. Eric Norwood, a Green Hills resident, said he had seen a dumpster travel through Sugartree Creek by his apartment early Thursday morning.The Green Hills YMCA was closed Thursday due to minor water damage. It will open Friday but its bottom floor will remain closed, the employee directing traffic said.— Evan Mealins

Gov. Bill Lee to survey damage in McNairy County

Gov. Bill Lee will speak to the media at 3 p.m. in Selmer, Tenn., after surveying storm damage in McNairy County impacted by overnight storms.

Tornado Watch issued for several Tennessee Counties

A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m. Thursday as severe weather continues in the state.

Tennessee counties under a tornado watch include:

• Cheatham County
• Davidson County
• Hickman County
• Houston County
• Jackson County
• Maury County
• Montgomery County
• Robertson County
• Rutherford County
• Sumner County
• Williamson County
• Wilson County

Green Hills man says he saw dumpster float down creek

Eric Norwood thought he was hallucinating. It was shortly after sunrise, and he was watching a dumpster float through his backyard.“I thought I was like hallucinating or something,” Eric Norwood said. “But yeah, my next door neighbor, she called me, she said, ‘You see this?’”Norwood said he saw the hunk of metal drift through a bloated Sugartree Creek shortly after the sun came up Thursday.Sugartree Creek begins from a pond in Green Hills, curving behind the Green Hills Mall and empties into Richland Creek near Harding Pike and Woodmont.The portion of the creek that runs by Norwood’s apartment complex rose over a bridge earlier Thursday.  Plastic bags, leaves and sticks remain in the fence along the bridge marking the high water line. The rushing water also leveled a metal fence around the housing complex. Thankfully, it didn’t reach his bottom-floor unit.

As for the dumpster? He’s not sure where it ended up.“I don’t know if it came under or over (the bridge), but it was tumbling down,” Norwood said. “It’s down there somewhere.”— Evan Mealins, The Tennessean

Continued tornado sirens drain batteries

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management's outdoor tornado warning siren system encountered issues as severe weather hit the area Thursday.

Multiple siren sites were activated as the weather service issued multiple tornado warnings for Metro Nashville. The continued warnings and sirens sounding drained the batteries in the sirens and caused them to stop sounding.

In power outage areas, the sirens did not start to recharge until power was restored.

Siren #51 at Parmer Park on Leake Avenue had communication failure, the office of emergency management said.

A repair team is working to restore the siren. There is no estimated time for when the siren will become operational.

Residents are reminded that the outdoor siren system is one method to receiving alerts about severe weather conditions. The sirens are designed to be heard outdoors and not intended to be audible inside a home or building.

Residents are asking community members to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn urges Tennessee residents to take precaution

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is urging Tennesseans to listen to local law enforcement and take every precaution necessary as severe weather brings, floods, tornadoes and hail to through the state.

In a 28-second video posted Thursday on the senator's X account, formerly known as Twitter, Blackburn said communities are devastated following floods and tornadoes.

Several roads close in Sumner County

Flooding remains a concern for areas of Sumner County Thursday as city and county officials close several roads.

“As you get out today, please be aware of the following roads that are closed or have high water on them,” the Sumner County Highway Department posted on Facebook Thursday morning.

Around 13 road closures are being reported in Cottontown, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Millersville, with nearly another dozen roads reporting high water.

Officials cautioned people to be safe on the roads, saying “turn around, don’t drown!”

The weather service said the City of Hendersonville received about 5 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.

Flooding remains a concern in the area.

“We are pleased to share that no significant damage is being reported across the city from last night's storms. However, waters are rising as rain continues. Flooding is a concern,” Hendersonville city officials posted on Facebook just after 9 a.m. Thursday.

Officials say Drakes Creek Rd at Stop 30 Rd and Saundersville Rd from just past the roundabout to Grapevine Rd are closed, though road closures may increase as weather persists.

“Please use caution when traveling and do not cross standing water in in roadways or move closure barriers,” Hendersonville city officials said.

— Katie Nixon, The Tennessean

Roads closed due to flooding in Williamson County

Nine roads are closed in western Williamson County as rain continues Thursday.

Portions of South Harpeth Road have been impacted the most, with closures at S. Harpeth Road at Old Highway 96 and S. Harpeth Road between Pinewood Road and Interstate 840.

Other roadways closed due to flooding include Chest Road, Forest Glen Road, Sleepy Hollow Road, Blazer Road at at Boyd Mill Parkway, Old Hillsboro Road at Southall, Floyd Road and Boyd Mill Parkway and Old Harding Road.

— Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean

President Donald Trump approves emergency declaration for Tennessee

FEMA announced federal disaster assistance was made available to Tennessee to supplement response efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.

President Trump's approval authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts for all 95 counties.

FEMA will identify, mobilize and provide the equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Under the public assistance program, 75% federal funding will be provided.

Water flowing across Mill Creek Greenway

Water was steadily creeping across a largely deserted stretch of the Mill Creek Greenway off Hickory Park Drive at 11 a.m.

The creek was out of its banks as debris dotted the fast-moving water. As of 10:15 a.m. a river level map from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association, also known as NOAA, indicated the creek had reached a minor flood stage.— Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean

Storms blowing through Jackson

Paul Floyd rode out the storm in his hallway with his wife and mother-in-law, all made it through safe. Was at the home with his son collecting clothes Said it went over the house in three minutes and ripped the roof off “You hear about these things but you never thought you’d have to be in one… three minutes.” Josh Barnes, his son, told him he got 5 suits “That’s good, as long as I’ve got something” Floyd said.“I just hope this don’t happen to nobody else.” Had lived in Selmer for about 2 years and is still paying off the home.

— Christopher Day, Jackson Sun

Richland Creek surges

Richland Creek surged several feet above normal levels Thursday morning, washing away tree limbs and debris.Tony Lance, who works at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s office off White Bridge Pike, right against the creek, estimated the creek is likely more than 10 feet above its normal height.“This is the highest we've seen the creek since the big flood … 2010,” Lance said. “It hasn’t been that high since.”Murky brown water reached up and drug away several beehives belonging to a beekeeper on the other side of the creek, Lance said.“They’ve been washed away, which is a shame,” he said.— Evan Mealins, The Tennessean

Franklin traffic signals losing power in Franklin

Franklin Police Department is reporting several traffic signals in the Columbia Ave. area have lost power.

The department is reminding the public to exercise extreme caution and treat these areas as “all-way stops.” MTE is currently working to restore power.

— Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean

Cumberland, Red River expected to crest as rain continues to fall

The weather service said the Cumberland River in Clarksville is expected to rise through the weekend as rain continues to fall, with rain totals expected between 5 and 8.5 inches.

The weather service said there is a 21% chance of the Cumberland River reaching minor flood stage at 46 feet and a 7% chance the river reaches moderate flood stage at 50 feet.

Red River flooding could impact Dunbar Cave Road and homes near the Wingate neighborhood, the weather service said.

The Cumberland River in Dover is expected to crest near 66 feet, just shy of the record of 69.33 in 2019.

At 66 feet, the weather service said flooding along the river begins in Stewart County, impacting agricultural areas, adjacent tributaries, and making roads near the river impassable.

Near Dover, flooding could impact portions of River Road west of Highway 79, Bellwood Branch Road, Cross Creek Road.

— Craig Shoup, The Tennessean

As intermittent rain continued around 9:30 a.m. the runoff along Nolensville Pike near Old Hickory Boulevard turned drainage ditches into small, muddy rivers.

Meanwhile, cars worked their way around a few flooded lanes along Edmondson Pike. There were no obvious signs of damage from the overnight storms around the Southeast Nashville neighborhood, save for a few stray branches strewn across the parking lot outside a nearby Kroger.

— Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean

Looking ahead at severe weather for Nashville, Middle Tennessee

The rain isn't over yet.

Nashville and Middle Tennessee will remain in the "slight" threat area for severe weather, while West Tennessee will be in the "enhanced" threat.

The threat for severe weather will subside slightly during the day, but ramp back up into the evening hours. Damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail up to two inches, heavy rain and tornadoes are possible.

The storms will continue through Sunday.

A flood watch remains in place through Sunday.

National Weather Service issues Tornado Warning

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the following counties until 10:15 a.m.

• Smith
• Trousdale
• Wilson

"A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles south of Lebanon, moving northeast at 45 mph," the weather service said.

TEMA confirms four deaths in Tennessee

Four people have died as a result of the severe storms Thursday morning.

Deaths were reported in the following counties:

• Fayette
• Carroll
• McNairy
• Obion

No names have been released for any of the victims.

National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Warnings for Middle Tennessee

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for much of Middle Tennessee.

Counties include:

• Cheatham: until 9:15 a.m.
• Davidson: until 10:30 a.m.
• Robertson: until 9:15 a.m.
• Rutherford: until 10:30 a.m.
• Sumner: until 10:30 a.m.
• Williamson: until 10:30 a.m.
• Wilson: until 10:30 a.m.

Flooding now main concern in Middle Tennessee

Road conditions will be questionable as flash flooding becomes the main concern Thursday morning.

I-65 northbound near mile marker 80 was closed because of flooding, Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Zeigler said.

The rain also caused at least one rollover crash on I-40 eastbound. That wreck has since been cleared.

Major damage, deaths reported in Tennessee

As several rounds of severe weather pummeled the region, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties.

The agency also reported one storm-related death in McNairy County— where a suspected tornado ripped through Selmer— and another in Obion County.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office confirmed a third death.

School closures roll in across Middle Tennessee

Schools in Middle Tennessee have started to cancel school Thursday as severe weather rolls through the region.

School system closures include:

• Wilson County Schools: Closed Thursday
• Cheatham County Schools: closed Thursday
• Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools: On a two hour delay Thursday
• Metro Nashville Schools: Closed Thursday
• Robertson County Schools: Closed Thursday
• Sumner County Schools: Closed Thursday
• Williamson County Schools: Closed Thursday

Governor, TEMA declared State of Emergency ahead of storms

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, at the direction of Gov. Bill Lee, issued Wednesday a State of Emergency for the severe weather hitting the state.

The declaration allows the state to expedite assistance, move resources around and coordinate responses across the state.

The request includes federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.