CCI Research & Innovation Center

Devastation in Nashville

In the early hours of March 3, the greater Nashville area was devastated by an estimated EF-3 tornado. Governor Bill Lee confirmed 25 people were killed and hundreds hospitalized, however, officials are still assessing the damage.

“It is heartbreaking. We have had loss of life all across the state,” said Gov. Bill Lee, according to the Associated Press.

Out of the 25 confirmed deaths, at least 18 were from Putnam County.

Mayor Randy Porter stated, “Today has been a horrific day in Putnam County. Massive damage has been done to numerous homes, some of them destroyed as if they never existed.”

The main tourist attractions such as Grand Ole Opry, West End and Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway remain untouched. However, many areas that were experiencing economic growth with with new businesses were hit. News Channel 5 listed five specific areas that were devastated:

  • Germantown/North Nashville: EF-2 (125 mph winds)
  • East Nashville/Five Points: EF-3 (136-140mph)
  • Donelson: EF-3 (160-165mph)
  • Juliet: EF-3 (155-160mph)
  • John C Tune Airport damage: (and surrounding neighborhood) EF-2,130mph

In addition, about four buildings on Tennessee State University’s main campus were damaged during the storms. After officials assessed each area, an estimated 250 power poles were damaged, which has currently left about 43,000 residents are without power reported the Nashville Electric Services. The Tennessean reported Metro Nashville Public Schools will remain closed until Monday in order to continue assessment and repairs from the severe damage.

According to the Social Studio, keywords “#Nashville” and “tornado” had a total post volume of 16,000 mainly coming from Twitter. However, the post volume for only “Nashville” was 369,000 with most posts coming from Twitter. Both keyword searches had similar top words such as “#nashville,” “tornado” and “damage.” However, there was a new hashtag trending as well, “#Nashville Strong.” The hashtag received a sentiment score of 58.7 percent.

The top influencers for this campaign were the NFL and NHL. Many celebrities and organizations such as Nashville Predators, Reese Witherspoon, former President Barack Obama, the Tennessee Titans, Dolly Parton and many more have shown support for the city and those who have lost loved ones.

 

 

 

 

#NashvilleStrong had a total post volume of 30,000 with 99.8 percent from Twitter. According to Project 615, #NashvilleStrong will be featured on T-shirts “designed to benefit those experiencing loss from the tornado.” The Community Foundation of Middle TN will donate all profits to Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to help with disaster aid.

Here are a few ways for you to donate and/or volunteer to help the disaster relief victims:

WKRN posted a full list of donation and volunteer services people can contact as well.