RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — A powerful EF-1 tornado touched down in Bedford and Rutherford counties on Saturday afternoon, causing widespread damage and prompting a response from local emergency crews. The tornado, with peak winds of 95 mph, traveled across the region, impacting both rural and residential areas.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado first struck far northwest Bedford County, near Carter Crossroads on Kingdom Road, at approximately 3:22 p.m. on March 15. The storm’s path spanned 4.49 miles, with a width of about 300 yards, before lifting near Highway 231 around 3:26 p.m.
The initial impact was felt across several outbuildings, barns, and storage structures, all of which were either damaged or destroyed. The storm continued east-northeast, causing minor damage to homes along Longview Road. Homeowners reported garage doors blown in, fences knocked down, roofs damaged, and outbuildings completely destroyed.
As the tornado moved into far southwest Rutherford County, crews observed significant damage to trees and outbuildings along Threet Road. Further tree damage was noted along Williams Road, as the tornado approached.
The NWS survey also highlighted the historical significance of the area, noting that the tornado’s path crossed the track of the November 2018 Christiana tornado and was just south of the May 2024 Christiana tornado. This marked the third tornado to strike the region in recent years, a pattern that has made this area particularly familiar with the destructive power of storms.
“This area is no stranger to tornadoes,” the NWS summary read, reflecting the ongoing risk that residents face in the region. “This path was also just south of the May 2024 Christiana tornado as well.”
As emergency crews continue to assess the full extent of the damage, the focus remains on restoring power, clearing debris, and assisting residents affected by the storm. While the tornado’s impact was significant, no fatalities have been reported at this time.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the region recovers and to prepare for any additional severe weather in the coming days.
