NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Multiple people are dead after two tornadoes struck Tennessee early Tuesday, authorities said.
Here are the latest updates:
Update 3:40 p.m. EST March 4: Officials in Putnam County have identified 17 of the 18 people killed when a tornado swept across West and Middle Tennessee on Tuesday, WZTV reported.
JUST IN: These are the names of 17 of the 18 tornado victims identified in Putnam County. A woman, thought to be between 30-35 in age, has not been identified. Please remember these names, think of them fondly and keep their loved ones in prayer. @FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/2iuafdZzzK
— Sara Small FOX17 (@SaraSmallTV) March 4, 2020
Seventeen people remained missing Wednesday, WTVF reported. The news site identified the missing as:
David Phillips
Robin & Bethany Babb
Steven Mayo
Joyce Wilson
Crystal Rodgers
Danelle Delawter
Kevin & Tammy Fouegge
Kayla Cowen
Richard Seno
Lisa "Cat" Green
Glen & Anthony Phillips
Donald & Patty Zorichak
Michael Roberts
Update 1:35 p.m. EST March 4: Putnam County officials said the number of people who remained missing Wednesday afternoon, one day after deadly early morning tornadoes struck parts of Tennessee, had fallen from 24 to 18, according to WVLT.
Officials stressed that those still missing were not presumed dead or injured but instead are being searched for based on calls to a helpline set up to help victims' families, WVLT reported.
Update 11:40 a.m. EST March 4: Authorities in Nashville are holding a news conference with updates on the city's recovery efforts after a deadly tornado swept through the city Tuesday morning.
Officials said two people were killed in Nashville after they were hit by debris during Tuesday’s storm.
DEADLY NASHVILLE TORNADO UPDATE:DEADLY NASHVILLE TORNADO UPDATE: Officials update status in recovery efforts of deadly tornadoes: https://bit.ly/2IlkYGk
Posted by WZTV FOX 17 News, Nashville on Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Update 8:55 a.m. EST March 4: The number of people missing in Putnam County after Tuesday morning's deadly tornadoes swept through West and Middle Tennessee has decreased to 24, WBIR-TV reported.
UPDATE: The missing persons list in Putnam County is now down to 24 after tornadoes ripped through the area Tuesday morning. If you have any info or hear from the people on this list, officials are asking you to call 931-646-4636. @wbir pic.twitter.com/TyMWpaFKlK
— Katie Inman (@Katie_Inman) March 4, 2020
Update 6:11 a.m. EST March 4: About 35 people are still missing in Putnam County after deadly storms swept through the region, WKRN is reporting. See their names in the tweet below:
#LATEST: It appears the list of missing people in Putnam County is now somewhere around *35*. Officials have NOT said if the ones removed from the list were found safe, but we expect an update later this morning. If your name is on this list, call (931) 646-4636. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/Buk0sSabnr
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowWKRN) March 4, 2020
Update 5:40 p.m. EST March 3: Death toll climbs to 25 in Tennessee tornadoes, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said.
Update 3:40 p.m. EST March 3: Nashville police identified two people killed Tuesday morning when they were struck by debris as tornadoes blew through parts of Tennessee as Michael Dolfini, 36, and his 33-year-old girlfriend, Albree Sexton.
The couple was injured by debris after leaving Attaboy, a cocktail bar where Dolfini worked.
The 2 persons fatally injured by debris overnight on McFerrin Avenue when the tornado went through East Nashville are identified as Michael Dolfini, 36, & his girlfriend, Albree Sexton, 33. They had just left Attaboy lounge, where Dolfini worked.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
Update 3:10 p.m. EST March 3: Nashville Mayor John Cooper signed an executive order Tuesday declaring a State of Emergency in the Nashville metropolitan and Davidson County areas after a deadly tornado tore through the area in the early morning hours.
“We will rebuild,” Cooper said. “We will be stronger.”
I have signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency in Metro’s Nashville and Davidson County area. We will rebuild. We will be stronger. pic.twitter.com/IGEtkkQ5RB
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) March 3, 2020
Update 12:40 p.m. EST March 3: Officials with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed the death toll associated with Tuesday's early morning tornadoes in Tennessee has risen to 22.
According to the Tennessee Department of Heath, 16 people were killed in Putnam County, three in Wilson County, two in Davidson County and one in Benton County.
Severe storms crossing the state left heavy damage throughout West and Middle Tennessee, officials said.
Hopewell Baptist Church is one of several destroyer in North Nashville. It’s been here since 1823. Devastating. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/QXtFobSAYd
— Elizabeth Lane WKRN (@elizabethlanetv) March 3, 2020
Video from the sky of the damage in #Tennessee this morning pic.twitter.com/7WxJHLP9Bc
— Korey O'Brien (@koreyobrienTV) March 3, 2020
Update 12:25 p.m. EST March 3: President Donald Trump, celebrities and politicians shared well-wishes for Tennessee after early-morning tornadoes devastated parts of the state Tuesday.
Prayers for all of those affected by the devastating tornadoes in Tennessee. We will continue to monitor the developments. The Federal Government is with you all of the way during this difficult time. https://t.co/eZlA7Ahruj
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2020
Praying for all those affected by the devastating storms in Tennessee and my heart is especially with the families who lost loved ones ❤️ We are all with you. pic.twitter.com/hlPS6RJWH4
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 3, 2020
Praying for everyone in Nashville and Middle Tennessee dealing with the aftermath of last night’s tornado. 🙏🏻I’m just heartbroken and saying special prayers for the families who lost loved ones. Please stay safe. 💔
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) March 3, 2020
My staff and I are closely following developments surrounding the tornadoes that devastated Tennessee overnight. Paul and I are keeping everyone affected in our prayers, especially the families of those who lost their lives.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 3, 2020
A lot of property loss & damage at Tuckers Crossroads where my in laws live. We JUST heard, by text message, they're alive! No power & now the cleanup begins. Thanks for the prayers & kind words. Middle Tennessee needs a lot of prayers for the community right now. #Nashville pic.twitter.com/nVI5VO5m0M
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) March 3, 2020
Update 11:55 a.m. EST March 3: Officials with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office told WKRN that 16 people were killed in the county when a tornado tore through Middle Tennessee, destroying buildings and leaving a line of debris.
Earlier Tuesday, officials with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said 14 people were killed in Putnam County as a result of the early morning storms. The new number brings the total number of reported deaths associated with the tornado to 21.
#UPDATE: Authorities now say at least *21* people have died in Middle Tennessee as a result of overnight storms. 16 in Putnam County, 2 in Wilson County (3rd died from medical issue), 2 in East Nashville, 1 in Benton County. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/tNDdTIjqtc
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowWKRN) March 3, 2020
Update 11:30 a.m. EST March 3: Officials with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shared images of the destruction wrought by a tornado that touched down early Tuesday in Davidson County.
One of our helicopters just landed after surveying tornado destruction from overnight. pic.twitter.com/XmBpbOmBuf
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
Police Chief Steve Anderson said two people, an adult man and an adult woman, died in Nashville after they were struck by debris.
Emergency management officials said 19 people were killed in Tuesday morning’s storms.
Update 10:45 a.m. EST March 3: Officials with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency told reporters Tuesday that the death toll related to early morning tornadoes in the state had risen to 19.
The Tennessean reported Tennessee Emergency Management Community Relations Officer Maggie Hannan confirmed the deaths in four counties: 14 in Putnam County, two in Wilson County, two in Davidson County and one in Benton County.
"There's a really good possibility that there may be more," Gov. Bill Lee said earlier Tuesday at a news conference, according to the Tennessean. "It's early yet."
DEADLY NASHVILLE TORNADO UPDATE: Nashville Mayor John Cooper gives update after tornado causes path of destruction overnightDEADLY NASHVILLE TORNADO UPDATE: Nashville Mayor John Cooper gives update after tornado causes path of destruction overnight: https://bit.ly/3cpXzBe
Posted by WZTV FOX 17 News, Nashville on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Update 10:05 a.m. EST March 3: Nashville Mayor John Cooper shared resources Tuesday for people who want to help those affected by Tuesday morning's deadly tornadoes in Tennessee.
Officials said nine people died Tuesday morning after tornadoes swept through Putnam, Benton, Wilson and Davidson counties. Authorities said they were surveying the damage Tuesday.
Update 9:35 a.m. EST March 3: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has confirmed that nine people died in early morning tornadoes in the state on Tuesday, according to CNN.
Officials with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency earlier reported at least eight deaths: 4 in Putnam County, 1 in Benton County, 2 in Wilson County and 1 in Davidson County. ABC News reported one additional death in Davidson County.
Nashville resident and singer Taylor Hicks told HLN homes near his neighborhood, Germantown, were damaged by Tuesday morning's tornadoes.
“There’s homes leveled. There’s churches that have been hit by this," Hicks said. “There’s been a lot of people that’s been affected in downtown Nashville. It’s been a rough night.”
Update 8:09 a.m. EST March 3: The death toll from the Tennessee tornadoes has increased to nine, authorities said Tuesday morning.
According to ABC News, four deaths were reported in Putnam County, as well as two each in Nashville and Wilson County, and one in Benton County.
Update 7:27 a.m. EST March 3: The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday morning that at least seven people have died in Nashville, Putnam County and Benton County, The Associated Press is reporting.
Previous report: At least five people have died in Nashville and Putnam County, Tennessee, after tornadoes struck early Tuesday, authorities said.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, two deaths occurred in East Nashville after two twisters touched down in the area. Another three deaths occurred in Putnam County, WTVF reported.
Two fatalities have been reported to the MNPD, the victims from East Nashville.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
#Breaking three confirmed deaths in Putnam Co brings our total to five. Two deaths reported in East Nashville #nashvilletornado
— Rebecca Schleicher (@NC5_RSchleicher) March 3, 2020
One of the tornadoes struck near downtown Nashville and traveled to Hermitage, The Associated Press reported.
Police said at least 40 collapses have been reported in the Nashville area, according to the AP.
Nashville's Emergency Ops Center is open. MNPD & NFD leadership are working to coordinate resources in multiple parts of the city. pic.twitter.com/8Kz3JvHIG2
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
As of 4 a.m. CST, power had been knocked out to at least 44,000 customers, Nashville Electric tweeted.
NES crews are assessing damage after this morning’s tornado moved through the service area. At this hour, we can report damage to four substations, 15 primary distribution lines, and multiple power poles and lines. More than 44,000 customers are without power.
— Nashville Electric (@NESpower) March 3, 2020
Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed Tuesday; however, Super Tuesday polling stations at schools “will be open unless otherwise noted,” officials said.
Metro Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 3 due to the tornado damage throughout Nashville. District offices will remain open and 12 month employees should report. More information on school closures available at https://t.co/JYTaiJb2ph
— Metro Schools (@MetroSchools) March 3, 2020