December 9, 2023 Tornado Outbreak

Last night, my family was invited to light Nashville’s official menorah. Half way to the courthouse, we got the call to turn around and shelter at home - the line of storms had sped up and a tornado would likely be passing near the courthouse right when we were scheduled to be there.

We made it home and tuned into the same news as everyone else, and like everyone else, when Nashville Severe Weather mentioned tornado debris was picking up, we knew hard and sad times were happening and would lay ahead.

Despite the heavy storms around it, Nashville’s menorah still stood. In the middle of everything else, the Mayor’s staff lit the Menorah shortly after the danger had passed over them.

It was a really dark night for our City, and we’re not done with bad, hard news and times. But I’m so incredibly grateful to the work of all of our first responders, Metro departments, public officials, and neighbors who have been working without break since last night’s tragic tornado outbreak, including all those who stepped up to help shine a little light on this City in the middle of it all.

I know I am not alone in sending my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this storm, including and especially to the Dalton and Perez-Mendez families. I, like many Nashvillians, remain heartbroken over the loss of life and destruction to lives and families.

Important Tornado Links

If you need assistance, please submit your request here: Tornado Help.

If you or someone you know needs assistance and translation services, call 211 or call TIRRC at (615)-414-1030.

If you want to volunteer, please wait. It is not safe to be out in the disaster area yet, and first responders are still working on critical, time sensitive work. Starting tomorrow, you can check these official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages updated opportunities to volunteer and to make in kind donations.

Monetary donations can be made now. Here is the link to the Davidson County relief fund (including Madison): Nashville Fund, and here is the link to the Cheatham, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner Counties joint relief fund (including Clarksville and Hendersonville): Tennessee Fund.

Important Tornado Information

Detailed updates can be found through the Office of Emergency Management’s Office of Public Information’s Blog. Briefer details are included below. Please follow my Twitter and Instagram Story for ongoing information.

Nashville Electric Service has sustained significant system damage to our transmission system. Not only are lines down throughout the damage area, but multiple substations have been affected. About 40% of customers without power have had their power restored, but many customers will be without power for days. NES is posting updates as available on Twitter.

Roadways continue to be clogged. Intersections without power and working traffic lights should be treated as four-way stops.

Unlicensed contractors and scammers often show up after natural disasters to promise quick repairs, clean-up, and debris removal. Please be alert to any potential scams and exercise caution before hiring anyone, especially if they are the first to show up.

In the days ahead, Metro Codes, in conjunction with the Assessor’s Office, will be doing an on-the-ground, lot-by-lot assessment of damage to create an accurate building count and damage estimation. Once this information is available, it will be shared on social pages.

The Office of Homeless Services is on the ground working with affected unhoused populations. The Extreme Cold Weather Overflow Shelter has been opened to provide for unhoused neighbors needing shelter from the cold weather.

Shelters for those affected have been opened throughout Middle Tennessee. Locally, Isaac Litton Alumni Center is serving as a shelter.

A Light in the Storm

Here is a picture of last night’s menorah. May we all have a little more light as we make it through this tragedy.