February 6th, 2025 Tornadoes

On February 6th, 2025, the Storm Prediction Center had a slight risk (level 2/5) for severe storms through the afternoon and evening for Middle TN. Expected impacts included strong winds and hail. Later that evening, storms began to develop across Middle TN where eventually 4 tornadoes touched down across Jackson, Putnam, Overton, and Fentress Counties. Tornadoes caused damage to multiple large areas of trees, homes, powerlines, and other structures while injuring 2 people. Additionally, thunderstorm wind damage and hail were observed.

These storms continued to track east where 2 additional tornadoes touched down across Morgan and Grainger Counties. Tragically, 2 lives were lost in Morgan County with at least 2 more injured. More information on these storms can be found at the bottom of this StoryMap.

 SPC Event Overview  

Time: 6:10 PM Winds: 86-110 mph Path Length/Width: 4.41 miles/ 650 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0

The tornado touched down just east of Highway 56 north of Center Grove in Jackson County, where hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted as well as some minor roof damage to a single-family home. The tornado continued ENE and caused significant roof damage to a manufactured home along JC Johnson Lane. Hundreds more trees were snapped and uprooted and more significant damage was found as the tornado continued east along Lynn Hill Road. A barn was destroyed along Zion Road before dissipating just east of that area.

Story from the field: On the damage survey, we chatted with a lady and her husband who both said they got the warning with PLENTY of lead time. She took cover and he went outside to look. He ran back in to shelter with his wife after he got more than he bargained for when taking that look.

Time: 6:20 PM Winds: 86-110 mph Path Length: 7.65 miles Path Width: 400 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 1

This EF1 tornado touched down near Cyphers Drive in northern Putnam County where tree damage was found. As the tornado continued east, there was additional tree damage found along Cindy Drive along with roof damage and significant garage damage to homes on Malone Lane. Trees were uprooted and snapped along Duncans Chapel Road as well as minor roof damage and trees downed on Ben Mason Road. Further east along Tommy Dodson Highway, several trees were uprooted and two barns had roof damage, and a barn was destroyed. On Highway 111, there was damage to a gas station and retail building, and more trees were damaged near Rickman. Minor roof damage to a barn and some branches was found along Okalona Road east of Rickman before the tornado dissipated.

Story from the field: A lady in her house was watching the Lady Vols play basketball. She got the warning, put better clothes on, grabbed her shoes, purse, and a stainless steel bowl to put on her head. That bowl likely saved her life, because the tree landed right on her and she was trapped and had to be rescued.

Time: 6:41 PM Winds: 86-110 mph Path Length: 5.40 miles Path Width: 500 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 1

This tornado touched down near Coy Phillips Road, west of Hanging Limb in Overton County. It then tracked east-southeast into Hanging Limb where it snapped dozens of trees and caused roof damage to outbuildings along E Fork Lane. The tornado continued along E Fork Lane where it caused significant roofing damage to a residence and uprooted trees. Along Steel Tram Ridge Lane, the tornado completely ripped a porch off the front of a house and caused a camper to roll on its side. The tornado presumably lifted near the end of Indian Creek Trail, east of Hanging Limb.

Story from the field: Dad who loves the weather and ESPECIALLY loves following NWS Nashville’s Facebook page (He quizzed me about “Who does those forecast song lyrics? They’re amazing!!!”) got the warning on his phone (he said ~30 minutes beforehand) and had his family in the basement waiting. Felt the pressure and heard it hit. Minimal damage to the house, but the garage was destroyed. 

Time: 6:53 PM Winds: 111-135 mph Path Length: 8.20 miles Path Width: 200 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0

This tornado touched down northwest of Clarkrange along Baldwin Gulf Road in Fentress County where it caused roofing damage to a residence. The tornado traveled east-southeast and crossed Lowe Point Road, Old Bean Shed Road, and S York Highway, snapping trees along its path. The tornado continued its ESE track towards the Fentress and Morgan County border, and once it crossed Ernest Hall Road, it destroyed a chicken barn. The tornado then crossed into Morgan County at Brodio Road. Damage found in Fentress County was rated EF-1 tornado damage with maximum estimated winds of 95 mph. Once crossing into Morgan County, the tornado strengthened to EF-2 with maximum estimated winds of 135 mph.

Story from the field: Elderly woman received the warning and took shelter. While there, she called all of her friends and family she knows in Fentress County to tell them to shelter including her son’s house down the road that also sustained damage. Her outbuilding was destroyed, but her house was untouched.