Columbia tornado: One death confirmed in tornado near Bear Creek Pike

A tornado touched down in Maury County in eastern Columbia off Bear Creek Pike, resulting in one death, according to the Maury County Regional Hospital.

Four others were injured after a confirmed tornado by the National Weather Service ripped through eastern Columbia and heavy storms touched other parts of Maury County and Middle Tennessee Wednesday.

Trees down, blocked roads and scattered debris were strewn along Bear Creek Pike, closing the roadway from Tom J. Hitch to I-65, Maury County Office of Emergency Management confirmed.

The Office of Emergency Management confirmed that a tornado touched down on Bear Creek Pike in eastern Columbia and swept through Joe Brown Road.

“We are currently assessing the damage caused by recent storms in our area. Emergency crews are on the ground, but we urge everyone to stay out of the areas hit and remain weather aware,” Jeff Hardy, director of Maury County Office of Emergency Management, said in a media release Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.

“More storms are expected, so it’s imperative to watch the weather closely. As assessment and clean-up begins, roads will be closed from Tom J Hitch to the Interstate 65. Additionally, Maury County schools will be closed tomorrow for the safety of students and staff.”

Maury County Office of Emergency Management posted on social media that it received reports of damage and encouraged residents to stay off the roads.

“Cranford Hollow Road off Bear Creek Pike experienced damage to some structures as well as trees and power lines. Possible cars are flipped over and initial reports of some people trapped in their homes,” Maury County Commission Board Chairman Eric Previti said.

Maury County Schools will be closed Thursday.

NWS warns of tornado

The National Weather Service Nashville initially issued a tornado warning in parts of Columbia, Mt. Pleasant and Hampshire at about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, anticipating it would pass by 5:45 p.m.

The weather soon continued, extending the tornado warning to 6:15 p.m., at which time the NWS reported a tornado had in fact touched down in Columbia, urging citizens in the area to seek shelter immediately.

Local first responders soon received many calls, with Columbia Police confirming that fallen trees and power lines were reported on major roadways like Bear Creek Pike and Old Highway 99, in some instances completely blocking the roadway.

Rolling tornado damage reports

Kerri Bartlett contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia tornado: Damage reported in Maury County, Tennessee