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Severe storms are marching through Middle Tennessee, prompting thunderstorm and tornado warnings.
Storms and tornadoes swept across West Tennessee Friday evening as part of a series of scattered storms across the Mississippi Valley.
High winds and possible tornadoes are expected to hit the Middle Tennessee area overnight and into early Saturday. A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Middle Tennessee and East Tennessee until 7 a.m. Saturday, April 1.
Counties covered by the watch include Cheatham, Davidson, Dixon, Hickman, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson.
Here are the latest warnings in Middle Tennessee
A tornado warning has been issued for Maury County, including the Columbia area, until 1:15 a.m. A severe thunderstorm warning continues for Nashville and Ashland City until 12:45 p.m.
Davidson County’s most at-risk areas: Hendersonville TN, Gallatin TN and Goodlettsville TN as of 1:15 p.m.
“The storm (in Nashville) will have sustained winds of 70 mph and golf ball-sized hail,” the National Weather Service in Nashville said.
A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for Cheetham and Dixon counties until 12:45 a.m.
‘Large and very dangerous’ tornado approaches Columbia in southwest central Tennessee, Mule Day evacuations
According to the NWS, a major tornado was confirmed to make landfall near Hohenwald, Tennessee around 12:20 p.m. Hail as large as half a dollar could fall. The system was moving northeast toward Mount Pleasant around 12:40 p.m.
As of 12:45 a.m., a donkey day camp in Columbia, Tennessee has been evacuated, WKRN reports.
NWS Nashville called the tornado “large and very dangerous.”
Middle Tennessee Hours: 10 pm-1 am
The National Weather Service in Nashville expects severe storms to reach Middle Tennessee between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
“The further east you go, the risk gradually decreases,” said Mark Ross, a meteorologist with the service. “Storms are formed by a cold front moving across the state.”
Storms will roll through Memphis, eastern Arkansas
A large tornado tore through Earle and Wynne, Arkansas on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction. Officials reported two deaths in Wynne, According to the Memphis Business Appeal.
The tornado destroyed buildings, damaged Wynne High School, overturned cars and shredded roofs.
Several buildings were reported damaged in Tipton County, Tennessee.
The latest in Memphis:Damage was reported in Tipton County after strong storms and a possible tornado
The National Weather Service emphasizes weather awareness
As always, it’s important to be weather aware, especially with overnight storms, the NWS said. There are several ways to receive weather alerts, including cellphone push alerts from local media and weather apps; social media updates; local news coverage; and NOAA weather radios.
The NWS recommends People keep their phone and/or weather radio close by when they sleep.
Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather and create an emergency plan ready.gov/plan.
Further:Hurricane hits Arkansas; Many states in the South and Midwest are facing flooding due to severe weather
Nashville area weather radar
Nashville, TN Weekend Forecast
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, with a risk of severe thunderstorms during the night. Chance of precipitation is 90%, dropping to 70% overnight. High: 77; Low: 57
Saturday: The sun will touch. High: 67; Low: 36
Sunday: Sunny, unless severe frost before 8 a.m. High: 66; Low: 49
