The death toll climbed to 25 people by early Tuesday evening after a tornado ripped through parts of Nashville and central Tennessee in the early morning hours.
NBC News is reporting that several others were injured and thousands of homes and businesses were without power across Davidson, Putnam, Benton and Wilson counties, according to officials. At least 19 of the deaths occurred in Putnam County.
"We have had loss of life all across this state," Gov. Bill Lee, who declared a state of emergency, said. Besides those confirmed dead, some people are unaccounted for, he said. "There are folks missing."
The governor called the devastation he witnessed "heartbreaking" but expressed his gratitude toward residents who helped each other in the aftermath.
"In the worst of circumstances the best of people comes out, and that’s what we’re seeing here in Tennessee," Lee said. "It is as we would expect."
Emergency crews were continuing to conduct searches and rescues amid the destruction. At least 45 buildings collapsed in Nashville, and police said there were multiple buildings with significantdamage.
"Emergency responders are working to ensure persons can get out and secure the areas," Nashville police said.
We will update this story as more details emerge.
