Powerful drone images reveal destroyed homes, rubble left from deadly Tennessee tornadoes

As Tennessee reels from a pair of thrashing tornadoes that left 25 people dead this week, staggering aerial images captured by a drone reveal the widespread destruction in the area.

The storm ripped through Middle Tennessee early Tuesday morning, knocking out power for nearly 50,000 customers, destroying homes, businesses, and schools and damaging some of Nashville’s popular attractions.

Damage from the EF-3-rated tornado that touched down in the Nashville area spanned roughly 50 miles, according to the National Weather Service.

In Nashville, at least 48 structures collapsed.

The NWS said another tornado, which devastated Putnam County, registered wind speeds of 175 mph, giving it a rating of EF-4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Metro Nashville Public Schools remain closed through Friday as recovery efforts continue. School leaders announced plans to relocate students, staff, and faculty because of extensive damage caused by the storm.

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Drone photos captured by the Louisville Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, show the extent of the damage:

Michael Clevenger and Scott Utterback/USA TODAY Network, Google Earth; Visualization by Flourish

An American flag flies high over the rubble left by a tornado Tuesday morning.
An American flag flies high over the rubble left by a tornado Tuesday morning. Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger

The tornado that devastated Putnam County registered wind speeds of 175 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado that devasted Putnam Cunty registered wind speeds of 175 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Large trees were uprooted and homes at Stanford Estates, east of Nashville, were damaged by Tuesday's tornado.

Large trees were uprooted and homes at Stanford Estates, east of Nashville, were damaged by Tuesday’s tornado.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
A home near Cookeville, Tenn., was reduced to its foundation by Tuesday's powerful winds.

A home near Cookeville, Tenn., was reduced to its foundation by Tuesday’s powerful winds.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Volunteers who took off work head for hard-hit neighborhoods to help homeowners and renters sift through debris to find belongings and mementos.

Volunteers who took off work head for heard-hit neighborhoods to help homeowners and renters sift through debris to find belongings and mementos.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Rescue and relief efforts continue in Putnam County.

Rescue and relief efforts continue in Putnam County.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Items ranging from blankets to cinderblocks were displaced by the weather.

Items ranging from blankets to cinderblocks were displaced by the weather.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Many homes were left intact, though others weren't so lucky.

Many homes were left intact, though others weren’t so lucky.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
A home was damaged by a tornado in a north Nashville neighborhood.

A home was damaged by a tornado in a north Nashville neighborhood.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
A north Nashville home was decimated by this week's tornado.

A north Nashville home was decimated by this week’s tornado.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger
Drone images show the damage at Stanford Estates, east of Nashville.

Drone images show the damage at Stanford Estates, east of Nashville.  Scott Utterback And Michael Clevenger

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Nearly 20,000 people signed up on the “Hands-on Nashville” website, which will assist in the widespread cleanup.

Volunteers in the recovery process should be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint, said “Hands-on Nashville” spokeswoman Lindsey Turner.  She said it’s “inspiring” to see people united after the tragedy.

“They want to be ‘Nashville Strong,’ ” Turner said.

Local and national organizations responded with relief funds. More information on how to help or how to get help can be found here.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Jay Cannon on Twitter: @JayTCannon

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/05/nashville-tennessee-tornadoes-aerial-drone-photos-show-damage/4963371002/

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