Local News

The touchdown of several tornadoes in Middle Tennessee is being confirmed.  The National Weather Service says seven tornadoes touched down early Saturday morning as storms tore through several states.  At least three EF-2 tornadoes were among those reported.  Those tornadoes touched down in Cheatham, Dickson, and Stewart counties.

Tennessee Task Force One is being deployed to Kentucky following deadly tornadoes.  The multi-agency team of firefighters, paramedics, doctors, engineers, and K-9 teams was deployed to Mayfield, Kentucky last night.  The team is expected to help with Urban Search and Rescue operations.  The number of people killed in Kentucky as a result of the storms is expected to top 100.

The Cheatham County School District is open today.  Despite a powerful tornado that ripped through South Cheatham County overnight Friday, the district says it will operate on a regular schedule today.  However, at least one bus route won’t run due to roads left impassable by storm damage.  The district says students who can’t attend school today as a result of the tornado can use an administrative day.   

Residents in Kingston Springs in Cheatham County are being advised that a curfew put in place yesterday could be extended.  The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department put the curfew in place on Sunday at dark for Highway 70 from Cedar Hill Road to Kingston Springs Road.  Officials said they will announce later today if the curfew would remain in place through tonight. 

Robertson Countians will have an opportunity to view the annual Geminids Meteor Shower starting tonight.  Astronomers at Vanderbilt University say the shower will start in the constellation Gemini around 9 p.m., and the best time to view it will be around 3 a.m. after the moon sets.  The Geminids Meteor Shower originates from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon [[ Fay-tawn ]], making it one of only two showers not originating from a comet.  Scientists say there should be an estimated 50 to 60 meteors every hour.