Deadly Tennessee tornado stayed on the ground for 60 miles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Multiple tornadoes ripped through Middle Tennessee, devastating communities and killing 24 people. One of those tornadoes passed through three counties.

The long-track tornado passed through Davidson, Wilson and Smith counties early Tuesday morning, according to National Weather Service officials.

WTVF

It's path, which varied in intensity, stretched roughly 60.13 miles from beginning to end beginning in the area of the John C Tune airport and ending 3.5 miles west of Gordonsville. Officials say survey teams are continuing to work where the tornado began.

The confirmed tornado strengths of this path are listed below:

• Germantown/North Nashville: EF-2 (125 mph winds)
• East Nashville/Five Points: EF-3 (136-140mph)
• Donelson: EF-3 (160-165mph)
• Mt. Juliet: EF-3 (155-160mph)
• John C Tune Airport damage: (and surrounding neighborhood) EF-2, 130mph

It is one of the longest paths in Middle Tennessee history. However, it is not the longest tornado track to be recorded in Tennessee. NWS officials say there have been many other tornadoes with longer paths that have affected the state, particularly in west Tennessee.

Five other tornadoes hit Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky early Tuesday morning.

In Putnam County, a violent EF-4 tornado with peak winds of 175 mph tore through the area, destroying 20 homes completely to their foundation, killing 18 and injuring 88.

An EF-2 in Carroll County had peak winds of 125 mph. It was on the ground for 12 miles, damaging trees, several houses, barns and grain bins.

In Benton County an EF-2 with peak winds of 125 mph was on the ground for 6 miles. The tornado damaged multiple trees, several homes and mobile homes. The most damage was in the Ballard Road area.

An EF-1 with peak winds of 90 mph hit Christian County, Kentucky. The tornado damaged homes and damaged or destroyed four farm buildings.

In Warren and Allen counties, an EF-2 with peak winds of 115 mph was on the ground for 2.2 miles. The tornado caused the most damage in the town of Alvaton, destroying three barns, two of which were sturdy concrete structures. It also made a direct hit on a well constructed home, exposing the plywood on the front of the home.

Note: A previous version of this story listed the death toll at 25, with four of those in Lebanon. Lebanon police later clarified, saying the death was reported to them "in error."