tornado – Memphis Flyer

Twitter/Shane Morris

Severe weather and tornadoes ripped through Middle Tennessee early Tuesday morning affecting Nashville and surrounding areas.

A total of 22 people were killed as a result, according to the most recent update by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

Additionally, the storm caused damage to homes, businesses, power lines, and infrastructure. A state of emergency has been declared and TEMA has activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said Tuesday that the storms “devastated our community.”

In response to the devastation in Nashville, many here turned to Twitter to express support for those affected by the storm.

Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we send our love to you. https://t.co/to77Vu0WIL

— City of Memphis (@CityOfMemphis) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (4)

Thoughts and prayers with Nashville as they deal with the aftermath of last night’s storm. Memphis Emergency Response teams stand ready to help if needed.

— Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (3)

Wow! #PrayForNashville https://t.co/fylgHRsbVY

— Rep. London Lamar (@RepLamar) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (2)

My thoughts and prayers are with the many people in Nashville and the surrounding areas who have been affected by the tornado and last night’s storms.

— Sen. Sara Kyle (@SaraforTN) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (8)

Last night a tornado touched down in Nashville & other parts of middle Tennessee. I am fine, but am praying for the families that were devastated by this storm. Some people lost homes & businesses, others lost their lives. Please send a prayer up for the 615 & surrounding areas. pic.twitter.com/Cd4zceEaKI

— Senator Raumesh Akbari (@SenAkbari) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (10)

The devastating tornado in the Nashville area early this morning is weighing on everyone in the ALSAC/@StJude family. Our prayers are with the community in middle Tennessee and all those affected.

— Richard Shadyac (@RickShadyac) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (15)

Our hearts go out to all of our friends in Nashville recovering from last night’s tornadoes. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the entire community. We are with you. 💙#NashvilleStrong
📸 @stuart_deming pic.twitter.com/bMuKp9uCeS

— Memphis Chamber (@MemphisChamber) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (6)

Out of devastation comes solidarity, and we hope that you’ll join us as we #prayfornashville—that they may be safe, that they’ll remain strong, and that a light will come from these dark days ❤️ 📸: @Tennessean pic.twitter.com/sEhkPqbhcS

— Choose901 (@choose901) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm

Our thoughts are with #NashvilleTN and the Middle Tennessee communities affected by last night's tornadoes https://t.co/MBsbBDqmFy

— Econ Growth Engine (@EcoGrowthEngine) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (13)

Our friends over in Nashville have been hard at it this morning serving the citizens and visitors after a devastating tornado struck their city. We wish them the best while they do their work. #MusicCityBravest #Nashville #NashvilleTN #iaff #tn pic.twitter.com/RFgWcPMqa1

— Memphis Fire Fighters (@mffa1784) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (12)

Thinking about all of our #uthsc students, residents, fellows, postdocs, faculty, staff, alumni, patients, and friends in #Nashville this morning as we're learning more about this morning's tornado devastation.

— UTHSC (@uthsc) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (11)

To those in Nashville, our prayers are with you. Please be safe this morning!

— Bluff City Virtual Reality (@bluffcityvr) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (9)

Stay strong, Nashville. Our prayers are with all those affected.

We are with you in this tough time. #TeamTN | #allheart 💙💛🐻

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (7)

And here are ways to help storm recovery efforts.

Memphis sends love to our neighbors in Nashville. Y’all are in our hearts today 💔 @NashvilleScene has a list of resources with shelters and where to donate to recovery efforts, if you can contribute: https://t.co/b0Lmnr7R9G #nashvilletornado @visitmusiccity

— Holly ❤️ I Love Memphis (@ilovememphis) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (5)

Last night's tornado devastated many of our communities in Tennessee. Come down to the taproom tonight and we will donate a $1 from every beer we sell to Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. #prayfornashville @… https://t.co/qRMAqJuomU

— High Cotton Taproom (@HighCottonTap) March 3, 2020

Memphians Respond to Deadly Nashville Storm (14)

MLGW

MLGW president J.T. Young on site with restoration crew

As the number of Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) customers without power as a result of Monday morning’s storm dropped to just under 2,700 Wednesday, the utility’s officials say damage to its infrastructure will “complicate” further restoration efforts.

Monday’s storm, which initially left 43,000 customers without power, brought winds of up to 65 miles per hour through parts of the city, with a moderate or EF-1 tornado hitting in some areas.

MLGW said Wednesday that the tornado hit one of its sub-station’s “complex infrastructure,” which “complicates restoration efforts.” The utility also said that its crews continue to find damage in the Parkway Village area. There, many properties have line damage, which the utility said can be time consuming to repair.

“MLGW crews will work quickly, safely, and around the clock to restore services,” the utility said.

MLGW noted that tree parts must be cleared from power lines before crews can begin repairing them. Additionally, customers with damaged meters must have them repaired by an electrician before power can be restored to their homes.

A total of 26 crews from other areas have joined MLGW’s crews in restoration efforts.

Assistance

The Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Office, the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross Mid-South Chapter are opening a resource center to assist those affected by the storm.

The Multi-Agency Resource Center is located at Olivet Baptist Church, 4450 Knight Arnold Road. The center’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th and Friday, October 25th and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th.

Additionally, for displaced residents, the American Red Cross has opened a 24-hour shelter at the Marian Hale Community Center, 4791 Willow Road.

To report storm damage, residents can complete a Shelby County Storm Damage Report here.