Rutherford County, TN – Area residents are getting edgy as tornado season continues to whirl. Prior to the 1980s, tornadoes in Rutherford County were an occasional happening, with the killer storms foremost in our minds were in Oklahoma, the Wizard of Oz and other faraway places. WGNS is offering a historical perspective of the past and present. We can’t slide into the future, because as you see here—trends do change. Hopefully, a change is nearing where tornadoes will not be a part of our present.

NOAA see chance of rough night

Be aware that the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... much of Middle Tennessee, including Southwestern Rutherford County and other parts of Middle Tennessee. A severe thunderstorm was located near Lewisburg, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Rover, Eagleville, Rockvale, Farmington, Lewisburg, Unionville, Triune, and Chapel Hill. This includes the following highways... Interstate 65 between mile markers 35 and 44. Interstate 840 between mile markers 36 and 43.

WGNS helkp you "Make it through the night"

Bryan Barrett and Weatherology meteorologists will be “live” on WGNS throughout the evening as climactic conditions continue. Your “Good Neighbor Station” will help you “make it through the night”.

Local Storm History: 1913 through today

Despite news of the tornado that crossed the Murfreesboro square on March 21, 1913, it would be almost a century for before tornadoes became “the norm”. That powerful storm struck in the early morning hours, cutting a 150-yard-wide path through downtown Murfreesboro. The north side of the Square suffered extensive damage, with multiple buildings either severely damaged or completely destroyed. First Presbyterian Church, a brick fortress, collapsed into the sanctuary.

As Rutherford County weather trends started changing dramatically in the 80s and 90s, leading to Y2K—WGNS built a connection with the public to keep you informed during devastating storms.

The Southridge subdivision storm on Jan. 23, 1997 was likely when the “tornado alley” trends started to change. This F4 tornado had wind speeds nearing 200 mph and caused significant damage, particularly in the Southridge subdivision. The storm hit in the late afternoon, darkening the sky and cutting off power, which aligns with your description of the event occurring during peak evening drive-time.

Then local storms took two lives. The Good Friday tornado on April 10, 2009 saw an EF-4 tornado, with wind speeds exceeding 170 mph, caused widespread devastation in Murfreesboro. Among the victims were Kori Bryant, a 30-year-old mother, and her 9-week-old baby, Olivia. They were outside their home on Sulphur Springs Road near Haynes Drive when the tornado struck, leading to their heartbreaking loss.

Most people never knew someone impacted by the storms.  Then at 7:31AM Easter Sunday 2001, the storms crossed the Murfree Spring Wetlands and downed WGNS; 328-foot tower. It got closer and closer as time moved on. There was Thompson Lane, traveling across the Greenway, and hitting the Riverview area. That area has received several hits. Christiana, Readyville, and more. Tune to WGNS for continuing coverage should it be needed. Your “Good Neighbor Station” is always here to help the community over unexpected tragedies.

Your GOOD NEIGHBOR is with you! 

Again, if the winds start to howl and the sound of hail is heard—tune to WGNS for Bryan Barrett’s “live and local” coverage. Hopefully, that won’t be needed and you can enjoy Braves baseball.  Tune to: FM 101.9 and AM 1450 in Murfreesboro; as well as FM 100.5 in Smyrna, TN.