State Tornado Death Toll Rises To 22

Nashville, Tenn.–As of 3 p.m. today, state officials are confirming 22 fatalities due to last night’s tornado and storms. Of those, 16 fatalities are reported in Putnam County alone.

A line of severe storms passed through Tennessee and has caused major damage to buildings, roads, bridges, utilities and businesses in several counties. Tornado damage has been reported throughout West and Middle Tennessee including downtown Nashville.

At this time the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 22 fatalities.

o    16 fatalities in Putnam County

o    3 fatalities in Wilson County

o    2 fatalities in Davidson County

o    1 fatality in Benton County.

Tennessee Department of Health is coordinating with local partners to provide resources.

In Nashville, the two persons fatally injured by debris overnight on McFerrin Avenue when the tornado went through East Nashville are identified as Michael Dolfini, 36, and his girlfriend, Albree Sexton, 33. They had just left Attaboy lounge, where Dolfini worked.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Severe weather and tornados have impacted several counties in Tennessee. Counties with the greatest impacts include; Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam Counties.
• The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) with an all-hands response from state emergency officials and activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
• A State of Emergency has been declared in Tennessee. At this level, a serious emergency or minor disaster has occurred and TEMA is coordinating with local and state partners.
• At this time, the Tennessee Department of Health has 22 confirmed fatalities.
• Governor Bill Lee is providing guidance at the SEOC.
• Primary Day – Secretary of State is in contact with local election officials and TEMA. Coordination of resources to support elections is ongoing.

 

o    Davidson County is reporting approximately 48,000 without power

o    Wilson County is reporting approximately 17,000 without power

o    Upper Cumberland (Putnam County and Jackson County) is reporting approximately 8,000 without power

• Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 22 fatalities
• Unknown number of injuries
• Currently 4 open shelters in Tennessee
• Damage assessments are ongoing
• Road assessments are ongoing
• Utilities
  • Water and wastewater utilities have minimal impacts, some are running on backup generators.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

State

• Emergency Service Coordinators and liaisons with numerous state and local partners and non-governmental organizations are reporting to the SEOC to coordinate response actions and damage assessments.
• Due to severe weather, state offices will be closed in the following counties: Davidson, Wilson, Putnam, Carroll, Benton, Fentress, Overton, and Smith. If able, employees should follow AWS procedures to assure the state continues to service its citizens. At this time, only essential personnel should report to duty.