Rebuilding efforts continue 1 year after deadly tornado outbreak in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Monday marks one year since a deadly tornado outbreak hit Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

On December 9, 2023, multiple severe storm systems moved in from the Northwest and brought destructive conditions to the Mid State.

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed seven tornadoes touched down that Saturday night:

• Indian Mound, EF-1, max winds of 110mph, 1:19 p.m.
• Clarksville EF-3, max winds of 150 mph, time 1:41 p.m.
• Bowling Green, KY, EF-1, max winds of 90 mph, 3:07 p.m.
• Cumberland Furnace, EF-2, max winds of 125 mph, time 3:31 p.m.
• White Bluff, EF-2, max winds of 125 mph, time 4:03 p.m.
• Springfield, EF-2, max winds of 120 mph, time 4:20 p.m.
• Madison, EF-2, max winds of 125 mph, time 4:39 p.m.

NWS confirmed four people died during the EF-3 that moved through the Clarksville/Montgomery County region. The rotation was on the ground for nearly 48 miles and was 600 yards in width at its peak.

In addition to the four who died, 62 were left injured, and Clarksville’s government agencies reported nearly 300 homes were considered losses due to extensive damage from the storm.

In Madison, the EF-2 that jumped I-65 and continued into Hendersonville killed three people in a mobile home community on Nesbitt Lane. The NWS reported this system was on the ground for a little more than 35 miles and also spanned 600 yards at its largest point.

Electricity was abruptly cut for thousands of residents after the tornado ripped apart a Nashville Electric Service substation in Madison that night. The rotation continued and hit another substation near Hendersonville a few minutes later.

Many of the damaged areas in Madison remain in ruin one year later, while Hendersonville’s damage was cleaned in the months following the outbreak.