Nashville area weather: Flooding concerns remain as crews survey damage from tornado, heavy rain
The threat of flooding remains for parts of Middle Tennessee early Thursday morning after heavy rain and strong storms, including at least one confirmed tornado, left roadways impassable and caused damage Wednesday.
At least 2 people were reported dead across the state Wednesday as strong scattered storms made their way through. One was reported in Maury County where a tornado touched down in Columbia; another was reported in East Tennessee, where a person was killed by a fallen tree in Tazewell.
Storms continued overnight, causing power outages and continued flooding. Follow along for live updates in the aftermath of severe weather across Middle Tennessee.
Tennessee tornado and storm reports: See where they've been reported in greater Nashville area
Storm damages Lebanon venue founded by Reba McEntire
Starstruck Farm, a portion of Reba McEntire’s former property in northern Wilson County, had an estimated 13 trees fall from Wednesday’s storm.
The 46-acre venue that now offers lodging, entertainment, special events including weddings and a restaurant also had damage to a number of structures.
Aaron White, 41, who does general maintenance and works in the kitchen at Starstruck , was staying in one of the “A-frame” cabins when the storm hit, recalling the door flying open.
“I was alarmed at that point,” White said.
The damage at Starstruck Farm includes a large oak tree known as the “Wedding Tree” estimated at well over 100 years old. The Wedding Tree was the centerpiece of a wedding stage that was essentially pulled up with the tree falling.
The tree also partially fell on a cabin where a woman was staying. The guest wasn’t injured and no other injuries were reported, according to Starstruck Farm staff.
“Grateful is a good word,” White said. “It’s eye-opening all this could happen in a split second.”
Owner Jay Wilfong hopes to reopen as soon as possible.
“We can’t put the trees back, that hurts,” Wilfong said. “The wedding tree was a magnificent tree … No injuries, that’s the main thing.”
Tornado damages Lucky Ladd Farms in Rutherford County
Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville is closed after being hit by a tornado Wednesday night. In a social media post, the farm announced they took a direct hit and sustained significant damage. The farm said there was no loss of animals and family and staff are safe.
Lucky Ladd Farms will temporarily close while repairs take place. The farm said it has limited means of communication due to their offices being destroyed but will work to respond and address ticket refunds as quickly as possible.
"Our timeline is unknown but we will keep you updated on our progress an look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible!" said the farm on Instagram.
National Weather Service: 'Significant flooding is ongoing'
Significant flash flooding continues Thursday morning. Multiple flash flood warnings and advisories are in effect throughout Middle Tennessee, including in Montgomery, Robertson, Wilson, Williamson, and Rutherford Counties.
A tornado watch is no longer in effect for locations along and north of Interstate 40, however the threat for severe weather continues said the weather service. Damaging wind gusts and quarter-sized hail continue to be the main concerns.
A tornado or two can not be ruled out, said the weather service. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move out of Middle Tennessee by Thursday afternoon, leaving behind drier and cooler weather through the weekend.
Flash flood warning in effect until 8 a.m.
At 5:52 a.m., the National Weather Service extended a flash flood warning for Cheatham, Davidson, Jackson, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson Counties.
They said thunderstorms were capable of producing heavy rain throughout the warned area. Between 5 and 7 inches of rain have already fallen.
"Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected" in those areas the weather service says.
Several Middle Tennessee school districts closed Thursday
More school districts in the greater Nashville joined the list of those closing Thursday due to flooding and storm damage.
So far the list includes:
Bedford County Schools: Closed Thursday.
Cheatham County Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding across the county
Dickson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to potential for storms, flooding overnight
Maury County Schools: Closed Thursday "for the safety of student and staff," officials said.
Montgomery County Schools: All schools to open a 2-hour delay due to storms overnight
Murfreesboro City Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding overnight.
Rutherford County Schools: Closed Thursday "due to several flooding issues," as well as electrical outages and downed tress that will impact buses, officials said.
Robertson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to "a flooding emergency," officials said.
Rutherford County Schools: Closed Thursday due to flooding issues.
Williamson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to hazardous travel conditions after heavy rain overnight.
Wilson County Schools: Closed Thursday due to hazardous roadways, officials said.
Nashville weather radar
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville area weather updates: Heavy damage after TN storms, tornado
