A tornado struck downtown Nashville early Tuesday, part of a severe weather system that spawned twisters across Tennessee and caused heavy damage to a smaller, local airport.
The tornadoes killed at least nine people and destroyed 40 buildings, according to the Star Tribune. Many other people remain missing. Downtown Nashville sustained heavy damage, with roads closed in the historic Germantown neighborhood and roofs torn off apartment buildings. The IMT building in Germantown also had to be evacuated due to a gas leak.
According to the latest update from Fly Nashville, the severe weather caused significant damage to John C. Tune Airport, a public airport in the western portion of the city that primarily serves small aircraft. There were no known injuries at that airport, and personnel are on-site for damage assessment and response.
The storm system caused no apparent damage to Nashville International Airport, which is served by 16 airlines flying nonstop to more than 72 cities in North America and Europe. According to the latest statement from Fly Nashville, Nashville International Airport is open and fully operational, but road conditions may make it difficult to get to the airport. Additionally, some flights may be delayed as flight crews try to get to the airport.
As of press time, no major airlines have issued travel waivers due to the situation.
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