On Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020, a series of tornadoes ripped through central Tennessee, located in the Eastern United States. There is no estimate on exactly how many tornadoes there were–most meteorologists estimate around two–but we do know that the tornadoes were classified as EF-3 and EF-4. EF stands for Enhanced Fujita, a scale used to measure a tornado based on the speed of its wind gusts. The scale ranges from an EF-0 to and EF-5 (we’ve never actually had an EF-5 tornado), with an EF-3 clocking in at 136 to 165 mph and EF-4 clocking in at 166-200 mph.

The storms ripped through Putnam, Davidson, Benton, and Wilson Counties, killing at least 24 people, including five young children. In Nashville, which is located in Davidson County, 48 buildings have been reported to have collapsed, with more extensive damage in the more rural regions of Tennessee. More than 38,000 residents are without power, all Nashville schools and their activities are cancelled for the time being.

Despite the tragedies, there is some hope. Nashville is often considered the birthplace of country music, calling many country artists to show their love and support. On her Twitter, country start Miranda Lambert shared the Red Cross Tornado Disaster Relief Hotline and called for people to donate to aid in relief efforts. Lambert also asked people to donate supplies to help animals impacted by the tornadoes to Mutt Nation, who are allocating the supplies to Nashville Metro Animal Care and Control. Brad Paisley encouraged his fans to donate to the Music City Inc. Foundation, a relief group that buys and distributes gift cards to those impacted by the storm, thus helping them restock their supplies and access resources. Famous former country artists Taylor Swift donated $1 million, saying “Nashville is my home and the fact that so many people have lost their homes and so much more in Middle Tennessee is devastating to me.” All three artists encourage their fans and others who hear their messages to donate as well.

To donate through Red Cross, call this number: (833) 585-0179

To donate to Mutt Nation, visit: muttnation.com/tornado

To donate to Music City Inc. Foundation, Venmo or Paypal through: donate@visitmusiccity.com or send a check to One Nashville Place, 150 Fourth Ave North, Suite G-250 Nashville, TN 37219

Citations

Asmelash, Leah. “Taylor Swift Donates $1 Million for Tennessee Tornado Relief.” CNN, Cable News Network, 6 Mar. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/entertainment/taylor-swift-tornado-relief-trnd/index.html.

Chavez, Nicole, et al. “Two EF-4 and EF-3 Tornadoes Left a Deadly Trail of Destruction in Tennessee, Weather Service Confirms.” CNN, Cable News Network, 5 Mar. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/03/04/weather/tennessee-tornado-wednesday/index.html.

France, Lisa Respers. “Country Music Stars Rally around Nashville Following Deadly Tornadoes.” CNN, Cable News Network, 6 Mar. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/entertainment/country-music-nashville-tornado/index.html.