Middle Tennessee was rocked by a severe weather outbreak on Tuesday, with storm survey teams now confirming that five tornadoes touched down across the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) also documented widespread wind damage and baseball-sized hail, particularly in and around Williamson County.
EF-1 tornado hits southern Cumberland County
The strongest tornado identified by the NWS was an EF-1, with wind speeds up to 85 mph (137 km/h). This tornado carved a path through southern Cumberland County, just outside Crossville, causing minor structural damage to at least a dozen homes. Despite its strength, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Clarksville struck by two EF-0 tornadoes
In Montgomery County, two separate EF-0 tornadoes touched down in Clarksville. The first hit North Clarksville, near Fort Campbell, followed by a second touchdown on the city’s south side about 20 minutes later. Several homes were damaged, though the overall destruction remained limited.
Tornadoes in Bedford and Marshall counties
An additional EF-0 tornado in Bedford County, near Shiloh, snapped trees and damaged a few structures. Meanwhile, in Marshall County, another EF-0 was strong enough to lift a barn roof and bring down trees across the countryside.
Rutherford County lashed by downburst winds
In Rutherford County, the NWS confirmed a downburst with wind speeds reaching 80 mph (129 km/h). This powerful gust event felled numerous trees, blocked Interstate 24, and caused damage to homes in the Blackman area of Murfreesboro. Residents and first responders found significant tree debris across several neighborhoods.
Hailstones the size of baseballs pelt Middle Tennessee
The storm system also produced extremely large hail, with some hailstones measuring up to 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter — the size of a baseball — especially around Williamson County, intensifying the damage to property and vehicles.
Middle Tennessee continues to recover from this rare late-May outbreak, with cleanup and damage assessments ongoing across the affected counties.
