Deadly Tornado Destroys 40 Buildings in Nashville

Search and rescue operations are underway in Nashville and central Tennessee, where a powerful tornado—maybe two—caused fatalities and caused dozens of buildings to collapse early Tuesday, reports the AP. Police report two deaths in East Nashville, and ABC News is reporting four additional deaths—three in Putnam County and one in Benton County. However, the number of fatalities has not been confirmed. One tornado hit near downtown Nashville and is believed to have stayed on the ground, moving east for at least 10 miles. Other hard-hit localities were Germantown, Mt. Juliet, and Hermitage.

The Nashville Fire Department says there were around 40 reports of "structure collapses" overnight, the Tennessean reports. Tens of thousands were without power. Officials say all public schools in the area will be closed Tuesday, though those designated as Super Tuesday polling places will be open unless otherwise noted. At least four of those polling sites have been relocated. (More Nashville stories.)