5/8/24 - As we continue to monitor the ongoing severe weather alerts of May 8th, we will continue to update this page with information on disaster resources and how you can get involved and help your community.
As of 5/9 @ 9:36am - The National Weather Service said it had four tornado reports Wednesday from Tennessee, with two from Maury County, where a tornado emergency had been in effect. A “confirmed large and destructive tornado” was near the city of Spring Hill around 5:50 p.m. CT, the weather service said.
At this time it's been reported there have been at least two deaths, multiple injuries and structural damages. Flash flood warnings are still in effect for parts of Davidson County. Officials remind those who are on the road today to please do not drive through water.
Maury County is asking that those who want to help, please hold off and let fire and rescue do their job at this time. You can check back for volunteer opportunities or keep an eye on Hands On Nashville.
“We are urging for everyone to stay off of the roads. If you can stay at home, stay home,” the Maury County Office Of Emergency Management posted on Facebook.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The closures by county include:
Maury County:
- Highway 50 near Iron Bridge Road, blocked due to downed power lines.
- Bear Creek Pike and Old Highway 99, downed trees and power lines.
- Nashville Highway near Carter’s Creek Pike has been shut down in both directions due to a crash involving a semi-truck. Emergency crews are on scene.
Sumner County:
Several roads are closed because of flooding.
Robertson County:
There were several water rescues throughout the county, including Lahr Road.
Rutherford County:
Roads considered impassible:
- Barfield Crescent Road and Barfield Road
- The 7800 block of New Salem Highway (Highway 99)
- Christiana, Hoovers Gap Road and Plainview Road
- Barfield Crescent Road and Armstrong Valley Road
- Buzzard Branch Road and Auldridge Drive
- Epps Mill Road and Capital Way
- Epps Mill Road and Wayside Road
- Sledge Road and Otter Pond Way
- Sledge Road and Miller Road
- Armstrong Valley Road and Yeargan Road
Roads with high water but considered passable:
- Allison Road and Eaglecrest Drive
- Buzzard Branch and Decatur
- Rucker Road and South Rucker Road
SCHOOL CLOSURES:
Cheatham County Schools
Closed
The Cheatham County School District will be closed on Thursday, May 9 due to current flooding across the county as well as the possibility of overnight flooding and potentially hazardous road conditions tomorrow. Our daycares will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and students should bring a lunch.
Maury County Public Schools
Closed
Maury County Public Schools will be closed Thursday, May 9, 2024, due to storm damage. The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee’s Wayne Street and Teen Center locations in Columbia will be open tomorrow.
Robertson County Schools
Closed
All schools will be closed tomorrow as the are is under the flood emergency. This includes all campuses and daycares.
Sumner County Schools
Closed
Sumner County Schools will be closed Thursday, May 9, 2024 due to inclement weather and widespread flooding impacting roads throughout the county.
Central Office and Support Services will report two hours late.
Wilson County Schools
Closed
Kids Club will also be closed. Twelve-month employees should report at their discretion, and communicate with their supervisor if travel would be unsafe.
Make-up day for AP exams will take place on May 22nd.
(updated 5/8 @ 8:20pm)
Office of Homeless Services Activates "Safe Rides" During Extreme Storms
The Office of Homeless Services is offering free shuttle rides to those experiencing homelessness, to take cover during today's extreme weather.
When: May 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 8 a.m. May 9, 2024
Where: Free shuttle rides to Room In The Inn, libraries, community centers, and Nashville Rescue Mission.
Request Rides: Call 615-844-3399. The Shuttle will pick requestee up and take to Room In The Inn, libraries, and community centers during daytime hours and the Nashville Rescue Mission afterhours.
For Weather and Safety Updates: Call 615-862-6391
OPEN STORM SHELTERS
The storm shelters here have been established by local counties for those who may be in need during the severe weather. For further assistance, please contact your local emergency management agency.
5/9- The Fainting Goat in Spring Hill is offering a free drink to first responders this morning.
"Our hearts hurt knowing that our neighbors went through such a devastating storm. Please allow us to offer every man and woman in uniform that’s heading to the area, a free drink to fuel your morning at our Spring Hill location."
NewsChannel 5 has set up a Crisis Care Campaign to help the victims of the May 8th storms. Click here for details.
Ways to Help Following Deadly Tornado
Numerous organizations available to accept volunteers, donations and other aid for tornado victims
Metro’s Office of Emergency Management partners with multiple agencies to assist with recovery efforts. Residents who are interested in helping with recovery efforts are encouraged to reach out to members of the Disaster Relief Committee, which is comprised of local disaster relief agencies. The following are members who work closely with OEM during citywide emergencies:
American Red Cross
Phone: 615-250-4300
The American Red Cross has a long history of providing assistance to disaster victims around the world, and is the lead community agency responsible for sheltering and mass care services in Nashville. The Nashville Chapter American Red Cross will help identify and provide damage and needs assessment for disaster victims, and ensure that they have food, clothing, water, medications and other basic essentials.
Salvation Army
Phone: 615-242-0411
The Salvation Army has a long-standing history of ministering to children and families in Nashville, and would provide fixed and mobile feeding sites, clothing, bedding, lodging and other emergency aid to victims, if a disaster strikes. Also, the agency would provide case work and financial counseling services to families.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Phone: 615-329-3491
Second Harvest Food Bank Website
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee fights hunger by providing food, services and education to 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties, including the Nashville Davidson County area. During a community crisis in Nashville, Second Harvest would help in the coordination of basic food items to areas that need it. The organization was formed to provide a central distribution center for companies, groups and individuals who want to help provide food to people in Middle Tennessee who are hungry. Second Harvest is part of a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks and food rescue programs throughout the United States. In Middle Tennessee, the agency distributes food to more than 500 non-profit partner agencies.
Crisis Center/2-1-1
Phone: 211
The Crisis Center/2-1-1 has been a critical partner in Nashville's emergency and crisis response efforts for more than 35 years. When a disaster strikes, Nashville will rely on the Crisis Center and its recently created 211 division to connect disaster victims to the services they need. Whether it is food, shelter, counseling, or other social service needs, 211 is specifically designed to connect people with more than 2,800 health and human services agencies. All 211 calls are answered by nationally certified information and referral specialists who are fluent in several different languages. The caller is provided with phone numbers, programs and services, location, hours of operation and other information relevant to what the caller needs.
Hands On Nashville
Phone: 615-298-1108
Often, during a community crisis, people are eager to volunteer their time and energy to help communities recover. During a disaster, the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management would rely on Hands on Nashville to connect volunteers with people and agencies that need help. Hands on Nashville links volunteers with available volunteer opportunities and helps coordinate large-scale volunteer efforts.
How Can You Stay Safe After a Tornado?
Red Cross shares the following advice for after a tornado below:
Avoid Injury
- Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning is over.
- Do not enter damaged buildings.
- If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
- If you are trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
- Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
- Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
Clean Up Safely
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves to reduce injuries.
- Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
- If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
- Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage, tent or camper — or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away — do not delay.
Treat Injuries
- People may be injured. Provide first aid as needed.
- Do not attempt to move a person with a back or neck injury unless they are in immediate danger. Seek immediate medical assistance.
Take Care of Yourself
- It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
- Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
- You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.