NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Storms ravaged Middle Tennessee on Wednesday into Thursday morning, with the National Weather Service going out to survey damage in the hardest hit areas.
We followed the storms from the first warning to the last. We have collected damage reports from across Middle Tennessee.
This is what we know so far.
Maury County
We have learned from Maury County Regional Hospital that Cheryl Lovett has died. Three people have not life-threatening injuries and one is in serious condition.
Cheryl's daughter Brie shared her gratefulness for the people willing to help.
"We are gonna get through — this support and the Army of family friends strangers that has shown up is a blessing," she said.
She explained what happened when the tornado hit her area.
"I was on the porch and it went quiet. My best friend had got through on my phone and yelled, 'take cover.' My brother ran to get his 3-month-old twins and I got their mom and my daughter, got them in my closet, and I dove head first in my closet as the tornado destroyed my home," she said.
Two GoFundMe accounts have been set up, if you would like to help contribute:
1) Support for Brie Lovett's Family After Tragedy
2) Support Brie Lovett Rebuild After Tragedy
Rita Thompson from Maury Regional Health told one of our reporters that their hospital is OK, and everything is operational. The tornado touched down east of them, according to Thompson.
Emergency officials asked everyone to stay out of areas hit by the storm.
All homes have had a primary search, and unfortunately, the storm destroyed multiple structures. Officials are asking drivers not to congest the roads as much as possible, and law enforcement is denying access to some roads while debris is cleaned. They said roadways will be cleared in 24 to 48 hours.
We spoke with the Spring Hill Mayor, who shared that they are currently in "search and rescue mode" in Maury County — where the severe storm damage is significant.
Hear from him in the player below:
Rutherford County
Rutherford County Schools' superintendent's son was involved in an accident, according to an alert from the district. His son is in critical but stable condition and is receiving medical treatment.
"We ask that you please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers," the post says.
Montgomery County
The City of Clarksville Street Department is encountering flash flooding citywide.
The department is putting down sandbags in the downtown area.
Key problem areas this of problems have included North Second Street, Daniel Street, Donelson Drive, Raintree Drive and Norris Drive, to name a few.
Flooding
There have been a lot of active flash flood warnings, including in Cheatham, Davidson, Montgomery, Robertson, Sumner and Houston. With the darker hours upon us, be aware that floodwaters cannot be seen on roads at night if there is no light, according to our Bree Smith. If you can avoid driving, it is recommended.
Here is some of the damage we have seen from our viewers.
Portland, Tennessee:
White House:
Millersville:
Castalian Springs:
Large, dangerous hail
We have gotten a lot of photos from viewers of hail reaching the size of eggs, even larger than quarters.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
