Two tornadoes have caused widespread damage across central Tennessee, including in the state capital of Nashville, destroying at least 40 buildings and leaving 19 people dead.
Source: WTVF-TV
Parts of Nashville were left in darkness as the tornadoes arrived overnight on March 2-3, leaving about 44,000 people without power.
Strong winds also blew down walls and roofs, snapped power lines and downed trees, causing major disruption across the city with closures to schools, and significant damage reported at John C Tune Airport.
Damaged polling stations also had to be moved at short notice as the city prepared for ‘Super Tuesday’ voting in the Democratic party’s presidential candidate race.
Among the worst hit areas of the city were Germantown and East Nashville, where the inside of some homes were left exposed by collapsed walls and roofs.
Historic buildings and churches in these areas were among those damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes.
One tornado reportedly stayed on the ground for about 10 miles as it tracked into Nashville’s eastern suburbs.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the city was “devastated” and urged people to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
With widespread damage being reported across the city, this will likely be a significant event for the re/insurance industry, and market participants will be watching closely as the full extent of the damage is measured.
