Violent storms that ravaged central Tennessee, in the United States, left six dead and dozens injured on Saturday, while homes and businesses were damaged in several towns.
Three people, including a child, were killed when a tornado-like phenomenon struck Montgomery County, north of Nashville.
In a social media post, the Nashville Emergency Operations Center said three people were killed by severe storms in a neighborhood just north of downtown.
Meanwhile, 23 other people were treated for various injuries at Montgomery County hospitals.
Photos posted on social media by Clarksville firefighters showed damaged homes, debris strewn across lawns and an overturned semi-trailer on a highway.
Cities in mourning
“This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who have lost loved ones,” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said in a statement.
“The city is ready to help them in these moments of mourning,” he assured.
No further information on the victims was immediately released Saturday.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that a tornado touched down around 2 p.m. local time. A shelter was opened in a school in the region.
Residents were asked to stay home while first responders assessed the situation. In an update posted on social media, Mr Pitts warned there had been significant damage.
“So please, if you need help, call 911 and help will be sent to you immediately.” But if you can, stay home. Do not go out on the roads. Our first responders need time and space,” he said.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also offered his thoughts to those affected by these storms.
“We mourn the lives lost and ask everyone to continue to follow the advice of local authorities,” he said.
The United States National Weather Service has issued several tornado warnings in Tennessee. He also plans to study an area where a tornado may have struck in Kentucky.
More than 80,000 customers were without power in Tennessee on Saturday evening, according to the site PowerOutage.us.