The death toll from the tornado that hit Tennessee early this morning has claimed 25 lives in four different counties, officials have announced. Websites for people hoping to lend a hand have been activated.
Gov. Bill Lee said at a press conference this morning that a number of people remain missing.
"These tornadoes struck down in number of places around the state,” he said. “Knowing who is missing and who is not is hard at this point."
The East Nashville club Basement East, where a benefit for Bernie Sanders was held Monday, was severely damaged by the storm. The club is owned by Mike Grimes, co-owner of Grimey’s record store.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said firefighters and first responders were examining damaged and collapsed buildings, according to The Tennessean. He asked that residents stay off the roads so debris can be cleared.
“Nashvillians are known for our resilience and now it’s time to show the world once again that we can accomplish a whole lot when we come together as a community and lend each other a helping hand,” Cooper said.
Desite the damage, polls are open for the Democratic primary.
People looking to help volunteer with recovery efforts can sign up at Hands On Nashville; to send in donations, the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund has been activated; and the Community Resource Center is accepting donated items.
Surreal damage in a Nashville neighborhood.
— Governor Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 3, 2020
If your family needs a safe place to go after last night's storms, the @RedCrossTN is on hand to help: https://t.co/4MW2vZnVOx. pic.twitter.com/YzNUTgUW8U
Basement East is gone... This is so sad. I really hope no one was seriously injured tonight but the damage is extensive here in Nashville... pic.twitter.com/O2cIsXyeRE
— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) March 3, 2020
We ducked around this cell and landed at john tune airport around 11:30 last night. Glad we landed when we did. Wouldn’t have been good an hour later. It was the cell that turned into the tornado. Lot of people lost their homes. No one comes together as a city like Nashville does pic.twitter.com/qvCjrYNu0x
— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) March 3, 2020
The Grilled Cheeserie will be in East Nashville outside of Hunter Station today passing out free sandwiches to those affected by the tornado. #nashvillestrong pic.twitter.com/i7dSZ6rcRd
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) March 3, 2020
The Predators will open the doors of Bridgestone Arena and serve pizza to Nashville residents impacted by the recent tornado.https://t.co/p3QIyh488q
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 3, 2020
As many of you know a tornado came through Nash last night and took out a bunch East Nashville/Donelson/Germantown. Many people have had their homes destroyed and could use your help if you willing to donate! Also attaching info for people who’s polling places were damaged ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZZQTj3NqhX
— soccer mommy (@sopharela) March 3, 2020
Here is the latest information we have from the Election Commission regarding polling place changes due to storm damage. pic.twitter.com/PNoWjjtw3g
— Metro Nashville (@MetroNashville) March 3, 2020
