Columbia Rallies to Respond to Widespread Tornado Damage

Issue #083

10 May

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 71

🚨 Columbia Rallies to Respond to Widespread Tornado Damage

📣 Want to Volunteer? Go Here!

🙏 Boy Fights For His Life After Being Swept into Storm Drain

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🌺 Have You Seen our Columbia Local Mother’s Day Guide? Grab it here! 

📌 Columbia’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, May 10th

Saturday, May 11th

Sunday, May 12th

Monday, May 13th

Tuesday, May 14th

Wednesday, May 15th

Thursday, May 16th

Friday, May 17th

Saturday, May 18th

Tuesday, May 21st

  • May Meeting of Marine Corps League LCPL Andrew P. Carpenter Detachment 1286 - All Marine, Navy veterans & spouses welcome. (Memorial Bldg, 308 West 7th) Email w/ any questions. - 6:00 PM

Columbia Rallies to Respond to Widespread Tornado Damage

Credit: Jessica Nicole

Over 3,000 people remain without power after a devastating tornado hit Columbia yesterday, causing significant damage and resulting in one confirmed fatality. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado touched down around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, impacting the Bear Creek Pike area. The tornado's path of destruction spanned about two miles, damaging homes, toppling trees, and disrupting traffic.

The Maury County Emergency Management Office confirmed that the tornado struck near Blackburn Lane, Lee Road, and Lasea Road. While Bear Creek Pike reopened the next morning, many side roads remain closed due to fallen trees, debris, and structural damage. Emergency response teams from Columbia and surrounding areas quickly mobilized to assess the damage and provide assistance.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt acknowledged the long hours that first responders put in to manage the situation, emphasizing the commitment to check on everyone in the community. The storm also caused a fuel tanker to capsize on U.S. Highway 31 between Burt Drive and Carters Creek Pike, further complicating the cleanup and requiring ongoing attention from Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins' team.

Maury County Fire Deputy Chief Richart Schatz reported that one person died and approximately a dozen others were injured. Rescue operations are underway, with assistance from surrounding counties and municipalities. Schatz noted that additional detailed search and rescue operations would be conducted, with support from dog teams to examine collapsed structures more thoroughly.

The community has rallied to provide relief and support to those affected. The American Red Cross set up a shelter, initially at Riverside Elementary School and later relocated to West 7th Church of Christ. The Maury County Animal Shelter is also offering care for displaced pets. Monetary donations are being accepted through the Maury County Trustee's Office and the CitisenPortal.com website to assist with relief efforts.

The Maury County Sheriff's Department is available to report missing persons, and the Office of Emergency Management advises the public to avoid the affected areas to allow first responders to work efficiently and safely.

State and local leaders praised the coordinated response from emergency services and expressed gratitude for the support from across Tennessee. Although the incident is a tragedy for the community, the response has highlighted the resilience and volunteer spirit that characterizes the people of Tennessee. Mayor Chaz Molder stressed the importance of mutual aid and the comfort of having local resources to navigate the long recovery ahead.

Want to Volunteer? Go Here! 👇

Mayor Sheila Butt posted this message on Facebook Thursday night:

If you would like to volunteer to help with storm damage cleanup, you are being asked by Emergency Management to check-in at Howell School behind E.A. Cox on Bear Creek Pike on Friday, May 10th.

You will be given a pass. This is for the safety of everyone and for coordinating our efforts.

Thank you!

SKB

Boy Fights For His Life After Being Swept into Storm Drain

Nick Beres from News Channel 5 Posted this on Thursday:

HEARTBREAKING.

This boy is fighting for his life after last night’s flood.

Asher is the ten-year-old, 4th grade son of Rutherford County, TN Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan who posted:

—-

 “As many of you have heard, our youngest son, Asher was involved in a tragic event last night after the storm.

While the neighbors were helping pick up debris, putting fences back up, etc the neighborhood kids were playing in the water in the streets.

Somehow, Asher got caught in the storm drain and was swept under the neighborhood streets.

He eventually came out in a drainage ditch and CPR was administered for quite some time.

His heart beat was re-established, but the damage is substantial.

Currently, we are at Vanderbilt after being transported from Ascension.

His lungs are severely damaged and he is not showing much brain activity outside of muscle jerks.

Specifically, pray for healing for his lungs and most importantly brain activity to occur.

Asher needs a miracle.”

  THIS FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE:

“There has been an outpouring of love and support from the community for Director Jimmy Sullivan, his family and specifically for his nine-year-old son, Asher. 

We've had many requests for people who want to assist, but what the family truly needs right now is tons of prayers. 

We are organizing a voluntary prayer vigil for the community that will be held at the RCS District Office today at 2 p.m. 

All are welcome to attend and show support for the Sullivan family. 

Jimmy has shared the details about Asher's current condition on his personal Facebook page. 

Asher was severely injured last night after the storms when he was swept into a storm drain in their neighborhood. 

He is receiving medical care at Vanderbilt, but he is in bad shape and the family needs a miracle.”

—-

  THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Credit: Experience Maury County

Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them? 

We ❤️ love local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "What’s Up Columbia!" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Columbia together!

👇Select an option below: