NASHVILLE, Tennessee: Six people died after tornadoes ripped through Tennessee over the weekend.
Also, some 24 people were hospitalized with injuries.
The death toll in north Montgomery County reached three, including a child, near the Kentucky state line, according to officials.
Additionally, the Nashville Emergency Operation Center confirmed that three people were killed in a neighborhood north of downtown.
Also, 23 people were transported to hospitals in Montgomery County with a variety of injuries.
Photos posted on social media showed damaged houses with debris strewn across lawns, a tractor trailer flipped on its side on a highway and insulation ripped from building walls.
“This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who lost loved ones,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts in a statement. “The city stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”
A tornado also struck Montgomery County about 2 pm on December 9, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A shelter was opened at a local school.
In the hours following the tornado strike, area residents were asked to remain in their homes as emergency crews were dispatched.
“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.
Local resident Shanika Washington said when the storm sirens were activated she took her children to a windowless room in her basement.
“The lights were flickering, so I knew it was somewhere close in the vicinity,” she said. “I just kept praying to God as it was going on. It was very terrifying,” she said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Allie Phillips of Clarksville, said she was not at home when the tornado struck.
“It was excruciating watching the live stream and not knowing if my house was still there,” she said. “When we finally decided to leave, the road to my home was shut down because so many power lines were on the road and we had to take a detour,” as quoted by the Associated Press.
In the hours after the storm, over 80,000 customers were without electricity.
