US: Casualties, power outages reported following severe weather in Tennessee and far southern Kentucky as of late Dec. 9

Emergency crews continue response operations in parts of Tennesee and far southern Kentucky following tornado activity Dec. 9. The most impacted areas in Tennessee, include Clarksville in Montgomery County, Cumberland Furnace in Stewart County, Springfield in Robertson County, Madison in Davidson County, and Hendersonville and Gallatin in Sumner County. At least six people were reported killed, and multiple people injured in the affected areas. The severe weather has also damaged structures and homes. At least 66,000 people are without power in the affected areas in Tennesee as of the evening of Dec. 9. The severe weather has also resulted in transport disruptions; Nashville International Airport (BNA) briefly issued a ground stop until 18:30 Dec. 9. In Kentucky, property damage and power outages were reported in Todd County.

As of late Dec. 9, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Tennessee, including Chattanooga, until at least early Dec. 10. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours. Heavy downpours, strong winds, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the affected area. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions will likely occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.