| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 8, 2024 |
| Location | Middle Tennessee, including Maury, Rutherford, Robertson, and Perry counties |
| Number of Tornadoes | At least 4 confirmed, with more possible |
| Damage | Severe, including downed trees, power lines, and structural damage |
| Injuries and Fatalities | Multiple injuries and fatalities reported |
| Additional Weather Hazards | Large hail, flash flooding, and river rises |
On May 8, 2024, Middle Tennessee was hit by a widespread severe thunderstorm event, resulting in at least 4 confirmed tornadoes, extensive wind damage, large hail, and flash flooding. This event is considered one of the most significant severe weather occurrences in the region in several years.
Tornadoes
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed at least 4 tornadoes in Middle Tennessee on May 8, 2024. The tornadoes caused severe damage, downing trees, power lines, and causing structural damage to buildings.
- Maury County: An EF3 tornado with winds reaching up to 140 mph touched down near Columbia for 27 minutes.
- Rutherford County: An EF-0 tornado with 80 mph winds was confirmed near Eagleville.
- Robertson County: EF-1 damage with peak winds of 90 mph was found, with additional details to be determined.
- Perry County: Straight-line winds of 75 mph downed trees and power lines.
The NWS plans to inspect other areas, including Giles, Smith, Warren, Lawrence, northeast Giles, and Marshall counties, for potential tornado damage or straight-line wind damage.
Damage and Injuries
The tornadoes and severe weather resulted in widespread damage, multiple injuries, and fatalities. The exact number of injuries and fatalities is still being determined, but initial reports indicate that several people have been hurt, and there have been multiple fatalities.
Additional Weather Hazards
In addition to the tornadoes, the severe weather event brought large hail, with some reports of hail as large as baseballs. Flash flooding and river rises were also reported, particularly in Robertson and Sumner counties, where Flash Flood Emergencies were issued, and numerous water rescues were conducted. This is the first time the NWS Nashville had issued both a Tornado Emergency and Flash Flood Emergency during the same weather event.
Conclusion
The tornado outbreak and severe weather event in Middle Tennessee on May 8, 2024, caused significant damage, injuries, and fatalities. The NWS is continuing to survey the affected areas to determine the full extent of the damage and to provide updates on the number of tornadoes and their paths. Residents are urged to stay informed and to follow instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety during this ongoing weather event.
