Shelter from the Storm
Just after midnight on March 3, as residents slept, a tornado touched down in Davidson County. When it reached John C. Tune Airport it was a strong EF2 tornado, and from there it tore a path through North Nashville and Germantown, leaving destruction in its wake. By the time it crossed the river into East Nashville it had grown into a monster EF3, and when it descended upon Five Points it claimed its first two casualties. The storm alternated strength level as it remained on the ground through Donelson, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, and Smith County, taking the lives of even more people. The same storm spawned a second tornado, which roared into Putnam County as a dangerous EF4 with winds up to 175 miles per hour just before 2 a.m.
That tornado swept buildings clean off their foundations and killed 19 people.
In the light of day, those left in the wake of these two deadly storms were able to clearly see the damage left behind: Gas leaks and downed power lines, collapsed buildings, overturned cars, and shattered lives.
But amidst the destruction there was also hope. Families reunited. Lives saved. There are countless stories of Middle Tennesseans banding together.
Twice in a Lifetime
Holly Street Daycare,
