Nashville/ Weather & Environment
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Published on May 07, 2024
Two Tornadoes Strike Middle Tennessee, Decimating Areas in Wilson and DeKalb CountiesSource: Ichabod, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Monday afternoon's turbulent weather ravaged parts of Middle Tennessee, with two radar-confirmed tornadoes destroying Wilson and DeKalb counties. In a couple of hours, the landscape of these counties was transformed, marked by the touch of nature's fury.

According to reports from WSMV, a likely weak tornado first hit Lebanon in Wilson County. The National Weather Service spotted debris lofted by the storm on radar just after they had issued a tornado warning at 2:55 p.m. The warning was lifted by 3:10 p.m., as the tornado's force was shown to be weakening.

Soon after, the tempest's wrath did not spare Smithville in neighboring DeKalb County, with another tornado confirmed by FOX 17 News. The National Weather Service detailed that it was an EF-1 tornado, with wind speeds peaking at 100 mph. The tornado cut a swathe 3.3 miles long and 150 yards wide. Fortunately, despite the extensive property damage, no injuries or deaths were reported.

The path of destruction snaked from east of Highway 70 in northwest Smithville, moving east and then curving southeast, as explained by NewsChannel 5. The aftermath was evident in the form of damaged homes, snapped trees, and dispossessed roofs. The tornado seized its violent dance north of Smith Road along Highway 56.

Amidst the chaos, the meteorologists maintain a vigilant stance, with more severe weather anticipated into Thursday morning. Residents are urged to keep abreast of updates and heed warnings, as the skies once more prepare to demonstrate their tumultuous potential.