A line of thunderstorms along a cold front quickly swept through Middle Tennessee on April 5, 2023. Enough instability was in place for areas generally along and west of Interstate 65 that these thunderstorms were strong to severe.
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.
A line of thunderstorms along a cold front quickly swept through Middle Tennessee on April 5, 2023. Enough instability was in place for areas generally along and west of Interstate 65 that these thunderstorms were strong to severe. Most of the reports received were thunderstorm wind damage with minor roof damage and snapped trees. One particular thunderstorm in Wayne and Lawrence counties developed a strong updraft which helped to produce large hail. These thunderstorms then generally weakened as they got east of Interstate 65.
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 Apr 5, 1:09 PM CST, 1 hour 9 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Nashville TN 209 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Thursday Night) Issued at 203 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023 We've been totally quiet across Middle TN this morning but things are a'changin'. Cloud streaks signifying stable air across the mid- south this morning have given way to growing cumulus over West TN and areas west of I-65 in Middle TN. This signifies the airmass is becoming ripe for convective development. Dew points are running in the low to mid 60s and with temperatures into the 80s across all of Middle TN, surface based CAPE values have surged into the quadruple digits this afternoon. Even the 18Z special sounding we did at OHX has sfc CAPE at 900 J/Kg already. Shear values are sufficient for updraft organization and with the line of thunderstorms already crossing the Mississippi River and headed this way, they will be heading into an air mass that will continue to be supportive of severe storms. As the hours tick by and surface winds veer to the southwest, I think the tornado risk lessens, but does not go away. This means damaging straight line winds will be the main threat with the line as it crosses the TN River in the next couple of hours, along with lapse rates that are supportive of large hail -- and is why the watch that has been issued is a SVR Watch with tornadoes mentioned versus a straight Tornado Watch. Please DO NOT drop your guard just because this isn't a Tornado Watch. An isolated tornado is still possible and with the wind threat as it is, a gust to 65 mph against high profile vehicles or trees can cause just as much trouble. In addition, this watch currently does not cover all of the Cumberland Plateau as we feel the instability and shear should drop off by 8 or 9 pm and greatly reduce any severe storms. The storms moving into Middle TN this afternoon are associated with a pre-frontal trough and as this trough moves across the area, once this initial line of storms moves through, the severe threat (wind/hail/tor) should end. However, we're not out of the woods by any means. Models across the board are supportive of the actual cold front, due to move through Middle TN slowly tonight, will provide a focusing mechanism for heavy rainfall. Current forecasts continue to highlight 2-3 inches across a swath of Middle TN, but hi-res guidance shows the potential for an axis of 4-5 inches in a few spots. Where that axis sets up exactly could sway 20-30 miles north or south, but our thinking currently has it centered in a Flood Watch that will come out with this afternoon's forecast package and run through about noon tomorrow. && .LONG TERM... (Friday through next Wednesday) Issued at 203 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023 There's decent model consensus that we're in for a prolonged rain event, even beyond 18Z tomorrow, which is how long the Flood Watch runs. The problem is what locations continue to see the rain. Right now, it looks to be the far east and south, outside of the current watch. We'll continue to assess whether a watch needs to be extended to these areas after we see where the heaviest rains fall tonight. Once we get the rain out of here, maybe as late as Friday night, we should be dry for several days with spring-like temperatures through the middle of next week. After that, another warm up is in store. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1227 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023 VFR conditions continue for now. A line of SHRA/TSRA will move through the area mainly after 22Z, with continuing SHRA through much of the current TAF period. Expect for cig and vis drop, with widespread MVFR/IFR cigs after 06Z. Gusty S/SW winds will continue through at least 03Z, with winds quickly becoming northerly after the frontal passage thereafter. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Nashville 51 56 47 59 / 100 90 30 30 Clarksville 48 54 44 60 / 100 70 20 10 Crossville 57 66 44 56 / 70 70 60 60 Columbia 50 57 45 59 / 100 80 40 40 Cookeville 53 61 46 58 / 90 90 40 50 Jamestown 52 61 43 56 / 90 90 40 40 Lawrenceburg 52 60 47 59 / 90 80 50 50 Murfreesboro 52 59 46 59 / 100 90 40 40 Waverly 46 53 44 59 / 100 70 20 20 && .OHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch from 11 PM CDT this evening through Thursday afternoon for Bedford-Cannon-Cheatham-Clay-Davidson-De Kalb- Dickson-Giles-Hickman-Humphreys-Jackson-Lawrence-Lewis-Macon- Marshall-Maury-Overton-Perry-Putnam-Robertson-Rutherford-Smith- Sumner-Trousdale-Wayne-Williamson-Wilson. && SHORT TERM...Unger LONG TERM....Unger AVIATION.....Adcock
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
227 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
TNZ023-024-051945-
Humphreys TN-Houston TN-
227 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of west central Houston
and western Humphreys Counties through 245 PM CDT...
At 227 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Springville to 8 miles south of Bruceton.
Movement was northeast at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Waverly, Camden and New Johnsonville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
Middle Tennessee.
&&
LAT...LON 3598 8802 3600 8800 3603 8800 3605 8799
3613 8792 3617 8792 3622 8795 3628 8795
3631 8780 3591 8782 3588 8793 3594 8793
3594 8800 3596 8802
TIME...MOT...LOC 1927Z 230DEG 54KT 3622 8810 3591 8819
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
245 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
TNZ005-023-024-052015-
Stewart TN-Humphreys TN-Houston TN-
245 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southern Stewart,
Houston and Humphreys Counties through 315 PM CDT...
At 245 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Dover to 6 miles northwest of Waverly to 9
miles southwest of New Johnsonville. Movement was northeast at 60
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Waverly, Camden, Dover, Erin, New Johnsonville, McEwen, Tennessee
Ridge, Cumberland City, Houston County Airport and Indian Mound.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
Middle Tennessee.
&&
LAT...LON 3598 8802 3600 8800 3603 8800 3614 8791
3646 8800 3658 8772 3636 8760 3605 8760
3591 8793 3594 8793 3594 8800 3596 8802
TIME...MOT...LOC 1945Z 239DEG 52KT 3643 8790 3619 8784 3590 8806
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
249 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
TNZ024-056-057-052015-
Hickman TN-Humphreys TN-Perry TN-
249 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Perry,
southeastern Humphreys and northwestern Hickman Counties through 315
PM CDT...
At 248 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles north of Linden, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lobelville and Bucksnort.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 143 and 155.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm 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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
Middle Tennessee.
&&
LAT...LON 3567 8780 3580 8793 3601 8764 3583 8756
TIME...MOT...LOC 1948Z 236DEG 42KT 3577 8780
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
306 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
TNZ005-006-023-052045-
Stewart TN-Montgomery TN-Houston TN-
306 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Montgomery, eastern
Stewart and north central Houston Counties through 345 PM CDT...
At 306 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Dover to 8 miles northeast of Tennessee
Ridge to near Erin. Movement was northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Dover, Clarksville, Big Rock, Cumberland City, Indian Mound, Palmyra
and Woodlawn.
This includes Interstate 24 between mile markers 1 and 13.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
Middle Tennessee.
&&
LAT...LON 3646 8718 3632 8767 3636 8768 3653 8793
3664 8775 3664 8716
TIME...MOT...LOC 2006Z 239DEG 42KT 3652 8781 3639 8763 3634 8762
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
13Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
314 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
TNZ024-025-057-052100-
Hickman TN-Dickson TN-Humphreys TN-
314 PM CDT Wed Apr 5 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Dickson, east central Humphreys and north central Hickman Counties
through 400 PM CDT...
At 314 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles north of Centerville, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Dickson, Burns, Charlotte, Bon Aqua and Pinewood.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 155 and 176.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
Middle Tennessee.
&&
LAT...LON 3585 8754 3597 8766 3622 8741 3609 8727
3595 8727
TIME...MOT...LOC 2014Z 233DEG 40KT 3595 8752
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
13The Ft Campbell radar (KHPX), 85 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:19 UTC.
8 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was downed along Interstate 40 west of Dickson which blocked the roadway. Damages are estimated for the tree.
A tspotter reported a tree was snapped along Little Marrowbone Road near Beaman Park near Ashland City. Damages are estimated for the tree.
A school bus driver estimated quarter size hail from a severe thunderstorm along Brush Creek Road east-northeast of Waynesboro.
An AWOS station at John Tune Airport west of Nashville measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph during a severe thunderstorm.
A tspotter reported that a tree was downed near Cleveland Park in north Nashville. Damages are estimated for the tree.
Severe thunderstorm winds downed a four-inch diameter cherry tree along Tennessee Route 240 near Summertown. Damages are estimated for the tree.
Severe thunderstorm winds damaged a home's roof and downed several trees along Sweet Gum Lane in Summertown. Damages are a rough estimate.
Severe thunderstorm winds near Summertown caused roof damage and uprooted trees along North Old Military Road. Damages are a rough estimate.
A public weather station northeast of Mount Juliet measured a peak thunderstorm wind gust of 60 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Tennessee in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Tennessee, April 2023
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: 1080893, 1080888, 1080886, 1080889, 1080890, 1080887, 1080891, 1080894, 1080892.