After an unusually wet January, another strong storm system brought more heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe storms to parts of Middle Tennessee on February 5th. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms known as a QLCS (Quasi-linear Convective System) developed in northern Mississippi and moved across southern and eastern Middle Tennessee during the afternoon and evening hours.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS OHX wrote it up.
After an unusually wet January, another strong storm system brought more heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe storms to parts of Middle Tennessee on February 5th. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms known as a QLCS (Quasi-linear Convective System) developed in northern Mississippi and moved across southern and eastern Middle Tennessee during the afternoon and evening hours. These storms spawned 6 weak tornadoes and widespread straight-line wind damage. In addition, heavy rainfall affected much of Middle Tennessee throughout the day, causing significant flooding in many areas.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Nashville, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 5, 4:55 PM CST, 53 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Nashville TN 455 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020 .UPDATE... FOR 00Z AVIATION DISCUSSION. && .DISCUSSION... A weather-filled afternoon is ongoing across Middle TN. On and off showers from this morning are still the case across most of the area, but as the warm front (currently draped approx west to east across southern Middle TN) lifts northward, heavier showers and a few thunderstorms have started moving in from the south. As this warm front inches northward over the next several hours, multiple upper level waves are expected to traverse along it. The first one should continue to lift some instability into our southern counties and combined with 55-60 kts of bulk shear, will open the door for a couple of storms with damaging wind gusts near the Alabama state line late this afternoon/early this evening. The second will be later tonight and with the reduction of instability, it should only be a proficient rainmaker. Another 1-3 inches is possible tonight and first thing tomorrow morning in the areas that currently have a Flood Watch posted. This additional rainfall is likely to create localized flooding issues, but more so, rises on area rivers, streams and creeks overnight and lasting into the day tomorrow. As with any flooding scenario, please don't take it lightly. Is it May 2010-type flooding? No, but it doesn't need to be that bad to make someone's day horrible. If you live in a flood prone area, please review your safety plan now and be prepared to move to higher ground quickly, if need be. By this time tomorrow, the cold front associated with this system should be moving through the mid-state, dropping temperatures fairly rapidly. What stinks is that we may very well have plenty of precip left over as the air gets cold enough for wintry stuff. A changeover from rain to a mix of rain and snow, to potentially all snow is in the works for Thursday night. I do have some very light accumulations in the forecast for the typical areas with this type of set-up -- along the KY/TN state line and on the Cumberland Plateau. Models have close to an inch in several places I've mentioned, but with warm, wet grounds, I don't see that much snow accumulating. A dusting to a quarter inch is more likely in the areas I mentioned, with close to an inch in a few spots on the Plateau by Friday morning. As we close in on this time frame, we'll analyze further for the potential of any winter headlines that may be necessary. If that isn't enough, temperatures aren't expected to warm up enough before another clipper moves through the region Friday Night and Saturday morning. Light snow will be possible yet again, but we'll have to see about any accumulations. The sun might actually return on Sunday. Yes, I said it. The orb might finally make its return. But -- as quickly as Monday, yet another weather system will be on our doorstep, kicking off the start of another unsettled pattern and quite a bit more rainfall for the start of next week. && .AVIATION... 00Z TAF DISCUSSION. Stationary frontal boundary currently draped from sw-ne across the mid state. Latest sfc analysis places a surface low near Tupelo MS. This feature will ride northeastward overnight and bring an increasing threat of heavy rainfall. Additionally, thunderstorm activity will also be possible along and to the southeast of the sfc low track. Rainfall will be heavy at times across southern middle TN and the central and southern Plateau. Therefore, the CSV area could experience some tstm activity with the potential for higher wind gusts. Further northwest across the remaining taf sites, these areas will be to the northwest of the low track. Thus, tstm activity is less likely. However, some heavier rainfall will still be possible for the BNA and MQY areas. Otw, look for cloudiness and shower activity to persist through the day on Thursday. Beyond the 24 hr taf period, look for the potential for some snowfall on Thursday night. && .OHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch through Thursday morning for Bedford-Cannon-Clay- Coffee-Cumberland-Davidson-De Kalb-Fentress-Giles-Grundy-Jackson- Lawrence-Lewis-Macon-Marshall-Maury-Overton-Pickett-Putnam- Robertson-Rutherford-Smith-Sumner-Trousdale-Van Buren-Warren- Wayne-White-Williamson-Wilson. && DISCUSSION......21 AVIATION........21
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Nashville TN 1054 AM CST Wed Feb 5 2020 TNZ005>011-023>034-056>066-075-077>080-093>095-061700- Stewart-Montgomery-Robertson-Sumner-Macon-Clay-Pickett-Houston- Humphreys-Dickson-Cheatham-Davidson-Wilson-Trousdale-Smith- Jackson-Putnam-Overton-Fentress-Perry-Hickman-Lewis-Williamson- Maury-Marshall-Rutherford-Cannon-De Kalb-White-Cumberland-Bedford- Coffee-Warren-Grundy-Van Buren-Wayne-Lawrence-Giles- 1054 AM CST Wed Feb 5 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Middle Tennessee. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. A Flood Watch is in effect for portions of Middle Tennessee through Noon Thursday. Moderate to heavy rain will continue this afternoon into tomorrow morning, with an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain expected. Localized flooding of roads, low lying areas, and rivers and streams is possible. Strong to severe storms will be possible between 2 and 9 pm CST for areas of Middle TN south of I-40. A few storms may contain winds of 50-60 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Light rain may mix with light snow Thursday night into early Friday morning. A dusting of snow is possible on elevated surfaces in the Upper Cumberland and on the Cumberland Plateau, but no accumulation is expected elsewhere. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is requested for this afternoon and evening across southern and eastern Middle Tennessee due to the potential for flooding and a few severe storms. 27
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
502 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
TNZ058-093-094-052345-
Lawrence TN-Wayne TN-Lewis TN-
502 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN LEWIS...WAYNE AND
WESTERN LAWRENCE COUNTIES UNTIL 545 PM CST...
At 501 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 7 miles north of Olive Hill to near Walnut
Grove. Movement was east at 60 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Waynesboro, Loretto, Collinwood, Clifton,
St. Joseph, Gordonsburg, Westpoint, Iron City, Cypress Inn and Lutts.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CST for Middle
Tennessee.
LAT...LON 3501 8798 3529 8798 3530 8802 3533 8802
3535 8801 3536 8802 3539 8802 3539 8799
3541 8797 3542 8801 3543 8801 3549 8777
3549 8773 3548 8772 3550 8771 3558 8742
3500 8735
TIME...MOT...LOC 2301Z 248DEG 51KT 3537 8798 3501 8801
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
538 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
TNZ093>095-060030-
Lawrence TN-Wayne TN-Giles TN-
538 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE...LAWRENCE AND
GILES COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM CST...
At 537 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Collinwood to 7 miles west of Tuscumbia.
Movement was northeast at 50 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Loretto, Collinwood, Ardmore, St. Joseph,
Elkton, Minor Hill, Ethridge, Lynnville, Cypress Inn, Goodspring,
Leoma, Westpoint, Iron City and Prospect.
This includes Interstate 65 between mile markers 1 and 6.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CST for Middle
Tennessee.
LAT...LON 3501 8783 3516 8780 3534 8753 3542 8703
3499 8684
TIME...MOT...LOC 2337Z 230DEG 44KT 3514 8775 3472 8783
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
541 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
TNZ059>062-075-060030-
Rutherford TN-Williamson TN-Bedford TN-Maury TN-Marshall TN-
541 PM CST Wed Feb 5 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MARSHALL...RUTHERFORD...
SOUTHEASTERN MAURY...EASTERN WILLIAMSON AND BEDFORD COUNTIES UNTIL
630 PM CST...
At 540 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Lewisburg to near Shelbyville. Movement
was north at 55 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Murfreesboro, Franklin, Shelbyville, Lewisburg, Smyrna, Brentwood, La
Vergne, Nolensville, Walterhill, Chapel Hill, Wartrace, Eagleville,
Bell Buckle, Lascassas, Christiana, Fosterville, Triune, Rover,
Belfast and Deason.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CST for
southern Middle Tennessee.
LAT...LON 3539 8693 3601 8678 3600 8670 3597 8662
3599 8661 3593 8615 3592 8615 3536 8642
TIME...MOT...LOC 2340Z 201DEG 50KT 3544 8683 3542 8649
BarnwellThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 133 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:50 UTC.
13 flash flood, 10 thunderstorm wind, 6 tornado, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A 0.5 mile long by 200 yards wide microburst struck along Waterloo Road west of Bryant Boswell Road. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted, one outbuilding was destroyed, and two homes suffered minor roof damage. Winds were estimated up to 85 mph.
Power lines were blown down on Waterloo Road at HH Lane.
This EF-1 tornado touched down along Riddle Lane causing tree damage as well as damage to the outfield wall at the Loretto Sports Complex. The tornado traveled east-northeast taking down additional trees and power lines. On Highway 43, the First Farmers Bank sign was blown down as the tornado continued across the highway into an open field before intensifying and causing damage to several homes in a neighborhood. Numerous large trees were snapped/uprooted. At this point, the tornado was at its widest at around 300 yards. The tornado then weakened east of Methvin Road. However, the weakening was short-lived as the tornado caused complete destruction to a well-built detached garage on Jason's Way. Tree and outbuilding damage continued until the tornado lifted near John Chapel Road. Max winds were estimated at 105 mph.
This EF-1 tornado initially touched down along Glenn Springs Road downing several trees including a large tree falling on a house. The tornado then crossed Highway 64 continuing its destruction of mostly trees, power lines, and roofs as it moved through the city of Lawrenceburg. Several large trees were snapped or uprooted right in the heart of the city, especially around the public library where one tree fell onto the building and caused significant roof damage. The tornado then moved east-northeast into a more residential neighborhood where additional large trees were uprooted. The tornado weakened as it moved into rural eastern Lawrence County where mostly trees, outbuildings, and a barn were damaged. The tornado lifted just before reaching the Lawrence/Giles County line.
Sustained winds of 50 mph with a gust of 61 mph measured at Lawrence County EOC.
One home and a few carports were damaged and several trees were blown down in southern Cornersville on Front View Street, Bicentennial Street, and April Lane. Winds were estimated up to 75 mph.
This EF-0 tornado touched down on Old Unionville Road between the intersection of Ben Williams Road and Highway 41 N where some large tree branches were broken off of trees. Additional branches were broken off of trees along Highway 41 N and the tornado continued to travel northeast where a carport was damaged as well as numerous trees snapped near a home along Gregory Mill Road. On Old Nashville Dirt Road near Frank Martin Road there were several trees downed as well as some utility poles. Further up Frank Martin Road just past Parch Corn Creek additional trees were downed, and a barn roof was damaged. More damage along Frank Martin Road included roof damage near an industrial complex near Shelbyville Municipal Airport. Tornado continued northeast and caused more sporadic tree damage before dissipating on Fosterville Road.
Tree down on an apartment building on Landers Street in Shelbyville.
Shelbyville Airport AWOS measured a wind gust of 58 mph.
Several barns lost roofs or had significant roof damage along K Parker Road between Luke Lane and DM Jernigan Lane.
Scattered trees were blown down along a path from Phillips Lane to Ronnies Lane. Winds were estimated up to 75 mph.
Numerous roads were flooded across Maury County, including Tom Lunn Road at Port Royal Road and Kedron Road in Spring Hill. A water rescue was conducted at King Hollow Road and Mt. Joy Road in far southwest Maury County.
This EF-0 tornado touched down on West Green Hill Road where it snapped a few trees. It continued east-northeast where trees snapped on top of a mobile home on Pigeon Hill Road. A house on Short Mountain Road received minor damage to the front porch and garage. A barn was completely destroyed on Womack Road. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped along the path before finally lifting near Gath Lucky Road.
A water rescue from a vehicle was conducted on Hardys Chapel Road. Numerous roads were flooded and closed across mainly the western half of the county.
Several roads were flooded and closed across Williamson County including Trinity Road at Ladd Road, Flat Creek Road, Duplex Road at Commonwealth Road, Duplex Road at Port Royal Road, Arno Allisona Road, Owen Hill Road at Horton Highway, Arno College Grove at Owen Road, and Horton Highway at Webb Road.
Numerous roads were flooded and closed across Fentress County.
This EF-1 tornado touched down on Gum Spring Mountain where a house completely lost its roof along with dozens of trees getting uprooted and snapped. An outbuilding and barn were also damaged. The tornado continued east bringing down trees and power lines before finally hitting the National Guard Armory on McMinnville Highway where numerous large pine trees were snapped. The tornado lifted just before reaching Highway 111.
Numerous roads were flooded and closed, and several water rescues took place across Marshall County.
Main street was partially blocked due to flooding.
This EF-1 tornado touched down just west of Blue Springs Road and snapped several trees along with destroying a barn. A covered porch was also destroyed at this location as well as the roof of a single story home. The tornado continued eastward across a holler/valley before causing extensive tree damage on James Lambert Road. Several outbuildings and barns were completely destroyed as well as extensive damage to a mobile home. The tornado went up a mountain and back down and then hit a barn/outbuilding on Cross Street. The tornado finally lifted near Viola Drive where further minor tree damage was observed.
A water rescue was conducted from a vehicle on Jap Road northeast of Ethridge.
A water rescue was conducted from a flooded home on Jackson Ridge Road in Rockvale. The bottom floor of the home was reportedly flooded with people trapped on the second floor.
Numerous roads were flooded and closed across Putnam County.
Trees down on Cow Pen Road in Mayland.
A tree fell onto a house on Creston Road.
Several roads were flooded and closed across Jackson County.
Flat Rock Road and parts of Highway 84 were flooded.
Highway 53 underpass in Ardmore was flooded and one car was submerged.
Eastport Marina was heavily damaged by flash flooding on the Obey River with several boats washed downstream and lost.
Numerous roads were flooded and closed across Wayne County including Roanoke Road, May Branch Loop, Keeton Hollow Road, Hill Parkway, Fantail Road at Middle Butler Creek Road, Green River Road, Thompson Hollow Road, Last Butler Road, Shawnette Road, and Flat Gap Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Tennessee in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Tennessee, 2020Warnings in Tennessee, February 2020
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 878859, 878858, 878856, 878857, 878860, 878861, 878870, 878871, 878872, 878874, 878875, 879109, 878873, 879110, 879113, 879114, 879102, 879115, 879117, 879103, 879119, 879120, 879121, 879107, 879108, 879122, 879123, 879124, 879125, 879126.