Severe Storms And Tornadoes Struck Northern Tennessee Saturday Leaving At Least Six Dead And Dozens Injured

Here's how to help.

The South was once again hit by severe weather overnight Saturday, December 9, and several confirmed tornadoes touched down in multiple states. One of the hardest hit areas was northern Tennessee where at least six people have died and more than fifty people were injured, per CNN. The National Weather Service confirmed that two separate tornadoes touched down in the Volunteer State. One of those two confirmed tornadoes struck in Clarksville and it was determined to be an EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 150 mph. At least three people including one child died as a result of this tornado. An additional three people died in Madison, Tennessee, when a second  EF-2 tornado struck there and in nearby Hendersonville with peak winds of 125 mph.

Now, thousands of people are displaced and 18,000 homes and businesses are still without power as of Monday morning. Our neighbors need our help, but fortunately there are many organizations who already have boots on the ground in the hardest hit areas. If you’re able, here are some great ways to help:

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is teaming up with the United Way of Nashville to provide immediate assistance to the people impacted by these storms. Per the CFMT website, “The funds raised by both organizations will provide critical support to nonprofit and faith-based partners actively working to address survivors’ needs. These organizations are amongst the first line of support for those experiencing loss after a disaster and address urgent needs such as financial assistance, food and nutrition, temporary housing, debris clean-up, and animal sheltering.”

Mercy Chefs

Our friends with Virginia-based Mercy Chefs have deployed to Clarksville, Tennessee to continue their mission of “feeding body and soul.” The Mercy Chefs folks are already serving hot meals to volunteers, first responders, and those in need. They are continuing to work with a local church partner to mobilize more resources to get food to those who need it most.

Nashville VOAD

Nashville VOAD, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is a central hub for finding the helpers after disaster strikes. Per their website, “During times of active disaster, the Nashville VOAD provides a single point of coordination for all member organizations seeking to assist survivors in our community so that needs are met in the most efficient manner possible.”

Operation BBQ Relief

One of Southern Living’s Southerners of the Year, Stan Hays and his organization Operation BBQ Relief have deployed a team to Clarksville. This group of volunteer BBQ pitmasters show up in the wake of disaster to provide hearty meals to residents, first responders and relief workers. As they stated in an Instagram post, “In times like these, a hot BBQ meal offers nourishment and a glimmer of hope and comfort to those facing unimaginable challenges.”

American Red Cross Tennessee Region

The American Red Cross of Tennessee has set up five shelters so far for those who have been displaced from the storms. Per their Facebook page, “Residents can go to these shelters if they are displaced from their homes, to report damages to their homes, receive food and any immediate medical needs they may have. (This would include: lost prescriptions or medical equipment needs.) We also have mental health and spiritual care available for residents that need it.”

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Nashville has deployed teams throughout the impacted region to, per their website, “​​are on the ground, delivering crucial aid – from meals and hydration to emotional and spiritual support for survivors and first responders.

This is a developing story and we will add more organizations as we receive more information.

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.