Downtown Nashville hit by tornado
The disaster has caused severe structural damage to Music City.
The extent of the damage to the Basement East venue in East Nashville. Image: Brett Carlsen / Getty
Nashville, home to many historic music venues, gear brands and a global epicentre for the music industry, been hit by a severe tornado. The disaster has claimed at least nine lives, according to Metro Police, and has also caused severe damage to homes and businesses in the area.
Nashville Fire Department officials say that they are responding to around 40 structure collapses across the city. Areas worst hit include Mt Juliet, a suburb to the east of the city, as well as East Nashville’s Germantown and Lebanon.
Happening Now: we are responding to reports of approx. 40 structure collapses around Nashville. Please avoid downed powerline and storm debris.
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) March 3, 2020
Tornado hit Germantown Nashville bad… this is crazy #nashville #tornado pic.twitter.com/EHBavuCxxm
— RVPTOR (@iamRVPTOR) March 3, 2020
Early reports have confirmed that live music venue Basement East has been destroyed completely, though the venue confirmed on Twitter that all staff inside were safe and unharmed.
All staff working tonight are okay! Building sustained significant damage. #Nashville #Tornado
— The Basement East (@BasementEast) March 3, 2020
Musician Carrie Underwood has spoken to NBC’s TODAY about how her family hid in a safe room in their house.
Carrie Underwood talks about her husband and kids being in Nashville when the tornado hit last night.
"He said he had to go upstairs at 2am and grab the boys to take them down (to) a little safe room in our house. I bet everyone was crying." pic.twitter.com/Ny8Yy5b8Uj
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 3, 2020
It is not clear at present the broader impact of the disaster, as police and fire crews still assess the damage as the sun rises on Music City.
If you are able to, we would urge you to support those affected. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennesee has activated an Emergency Response Fund on its website. Proceeds from donations will go towards both immediate and long term support for victims of the disaster.
Updates to follow as information becomes available.
