According to the National Weather Service, six tornadoes tore through Middle Tennessee last Saturday.
The first, an EF-1, hit parts of Montgomery County.
The second storm first touched down on Fort Campbell and quickly intensified. The tornado traveled 43 miles and ended in Kentucky. The tornado killed three people and left 62 injured. More than 1,000 homes were impacted. The tornado destroyed 114 homes with 268 home receiving major damage.
The third tornado, an EF-2, hit Dickson County, snapping and uprooting dozens of trees.
The fourth tornado, an EF-2, touched down in Dickson and Cheatham Counties, damaging homes and causing tree damage as it moved into Cheatham Wildlife Management Area. It gained strength and caused prolific tree damage and structure damage to homes along Dry Creek Road, south of Ashland City.
The fifth tornado, an EF-2, touched down in Springfield in Robertson County where it uprooted trees, struck a fire department, shopping center and bent a steel transmission pole at a power substation.
The sixth tornado, an EF-2, hit Davidson and Sumner Counties where it left a nearly 30-mile path of destruction. The National Weather Service estimates that more than 600 homes and businesses were damaged in this storm. The tornado killed three people.
Impact to the Credit Union Family
A few credit unions lost power due to the tornadoes. Old Hickory Credit Union’s Hendersonville Branch sustained roof and drive-thru damage.
Fortera Credit Union members and employees in Clarksville experienced the most severe impact. A credit union employee lost her home and a few more employees sustained severe home damage. Fortera’s Tiny Town Branch is temporarily closed. The credit union is assisting members with emergency financial aid and helping with the clean-up efforts.
How You Can Help
Donate to the Fortera Foundation. The funds will directly help Fortera Credit Union members and employees impacted by the tornado. Stay tuned for the online donation link! In the meantime, you can contribute via the following:
- Via check payable to Fortera Foundation.
- Include a notation that the funds should be directed to Tornado Relief
- Mail to Fortera Credit Union, Attn: Ginna Holleman, P.O. Box 30669, Clarksville, TN 37040
- Via phone by calling 931.431.6800 or 800.821.5891
Donate to YAIPak Outreach. This Clarksville-based nonprofit is helping to distribute emergency supplies and food. Online donations are being accepted.
Support Gateway Credit Union’s storm collection. All donations will be taken to Clarksville-based, YAIPak Outreach, after work on Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, please see the Facebook post or call the credit union at (931) 551-8271.
Support US Community Credit Union’s bake sale and collection drive. The proceeds and items will be given to Nashville-based, Community Resource Center. The event will take place on Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, please see the Facebook post or call the credit union at (615) 256-8712.
