Despite the dire warnings on Nashville TV news last night, Rutherford County was largely spared during severe weather.  

"We are grateful our community is safe, and we have no reports of injury," Smyrna spokeswoman Kathey Ferrell said.

Smyrna Fire was assessing damage Friday morning, but it appeared most of the damage was contained to Rock Springs Road.

"In the area we reported last night, Clarkston Square, located west of I24 off of Rock Springs Road, 22 homes are damaged and two of those are considered structurally unsound," Ferrell said.

Severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Saturday night across all of Middle Tennessee, but mainly west of I-65. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will all be possible. Localized flooding may develop as well.

Last night may have spared many but the spring is tornado season.

In 2020, tornado deaths in Tennessee totaled 27. Of that number, 24 fatalities were due to the tornadoes that hit the Nashville area on March 3. Those tornadoes tracked for miles, packed winds more than 165 mph and at times spread 800 yards wide. Billions of dollars in damage and widespread power outages were left in their wake. 

“Tennessee has experienced many deadly storms in the March-through-May timeframe over the years,” said Chris Jones, President and CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric. “We know severe weather will hit us again, so awareness and preparation are our best defenses.“

When meteorologists warn that conditions are right for severe weather, pay attention. Take storm watches and warnings seriously.