US: Authorities responding to tornado damage in Robertson and Maury counties, Tennessee, as of late May 8

Response operations are ongoing in parts of Robertson and Maury counties in central Tennessee as of late May 8 after several rounds of severe storms with embedded tornadoes moved across the region. A tornado touched down in eastern Columbia before tracking into northwest Marshall County; authorities have confirmed one fatality and four injured in Maury County. Reports indicate widespread damage in Marshall County in the Blackburn Hollow area near Tobe Robertson Road and in Maury County along State Road 99 near Interstate 65 and off Bear Creek Pike. One lane on Interstate 65 at MM 47 is blocked, while Bear Creek Pike from Tom J Hitch to Interstate 65 is closed. Authorities have urged residents to stay home and avoid travel. Maury County schools will be closed May 9.

Another tornado was reported at mile marker 19 on Interstate 24 in Robertson County. Some roads are closed due to flooding.

There have been reports of downed power lines in the affected area; as of late May 8, more than 42,000 people across Tennessee are without power, including more than 2,600 in Maury County. Response operations and damage assessments are ongoing in the region; disruptions to ground travel and business operations will likely persist for several days in the affected area. Calmer weather conditions are expected over the affected area from May 9 as the severe weather system moves southwards; however, further storms and showers may develop in the region over the coming days.