Tennessee Tornado Reports, Large Hail Reports, and Wind Damage From May 20, 2025
- Bob Cox
- May 21
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 3
On May 20, 2025, Tennessee experienced significant severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, as part of a broader storm system affecting multiple states in the Southeast and Midwest. This report focuses on the impacts in Tennessee, drawing from the provided tornado, hail, and wind reports, with additional context from neighboring areas where relevant. The information is sourced from the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center’s preliminary reports, including tornado, hail, and wind damage data.
Overview of Severe Weather in Tennessee
The severe weather event on May 20, 2025, brought a combination of tornadoes, large hail, and high winds to various parts of Tennessee. The storms caused significant damage, including downed trees, power outages, structural damage, and injuries. The most affected regions included Middle Tennessee (e.g., Hickman, Williamson, Maury, Montgomery, and Rutherford counties) and parts of East Tennessee (e.g., Putnam, Cumberland, and Scott counties). The storms were part of a larger regional outbreak, with additional impacts reported in neighboring states like Alabama, Illinois, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
Tornado Activity in Tennessee
Two confirmed tornadoes touched down in Tennessee, both in the Middle Tennessee region, based on the provided data:
Hohenwald Tornado (Lewis County):
Time: 7:59 PM CDT
Location: 4 miles north of Hohenwald (Lat: 35.61, Lon: -87.56)
Details: A tornado was observed on a webcam and reported by local media. No specific damage details were provided in the report, but the confirmation via webcam and media suggests a visible funnel cloud or touchdown. The NWS Nashville (OHX) office noted this event, indicating radar and visual confirmation.
Impact: The lack of detailed damage reports suggests this tornado may have been brief or weak, potentially an EF0 or EF1, though no official rating is provided in the data.
Clarksville-Fredonia Tornado (Montgomery County):
Time: 10:21 PM–10:28 PM CDT
Locations:
Clarksville: 4 miles NNW of Clarksville (Lat: 36.62, Lon: -87.38) at 10:21 PM
Fredonia: 5 miles north of Fredonia (Lat: 36.52, Lon: -87.21) at 10:28 PM
Details: This tornado was confirmed by radar and visual reports, with a debris signature noted on radar near Fredonia. The tornado tracked near I-24, close to SR-76 and HWY-41A, indicating a path through a populated area.
Impact: The presence of a debris signature suggests at least moderate damage, potentially consistent with an EF1 or stronger tornado. Specific damage details (e.g., to structures or trees) were not provided, but the radar confirmation indicates significant storm rotation.
Hail Reports in Tennessee
Hail was a widespread hazard across Middle Tennessee, with reports of large hail (1.00 inches or greater) in multiple counties. The largest hailstones reached up to 3.00 inches in diameter, posing a significant threat to property and vehicles. Key hail reports include:
Hickman County (Centerville Area):
Time: 8:50 PM–9:00 PM CDT
Locations:
2 NE Centerville (Lat: 35.81, Lon: -87.43): Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) at Hickman County High School at 8:50 PM and 8:56 PM; 2.00-inch hail near Centerville Middle School at 8:54 PM.
7 SSW Bon Aqua (Lat: 35.86, Lon: -87.36): 2.00-inch hail near TN 100 and TN 230 at 8:56 PM.
3 NW Centerville (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -87.48): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) near Elkins Rd at 9:00 PM.
Impact: Hail of this size (up to 2.00 inches) can cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, and windows. The concentration of reports near Centerville suggests a strong storm cell with prolonged hail production.
Williamson County (Franklin and Spring Hill Areas):
Time: 9:14 PM–9:42 PM CDT
Locations:
5 SSW Fairview (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -87.16): Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) in Primm Springs at 9:14 PM.
9 SE Fairview (Lat: 35.90, Lon: -87.00): 2.00-inch hail in Leipers Fork at 9:20 PM.
7 NNE Santa Fe (Lat: 35.83, Lon: -87.08): Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) at 9:21 PM.
Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station:
5 NE Spring Hill (Lat: 35.79, Lon: -86.86): Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) at Pratt Road at 9:34 PM.
6 NNE Spring Hill (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -86.89): Tennis ball-sized hail (2.50 inches) near I-840 at 9:34 PM.
4 NNE Spring Hill (Lat: 35.80, Lon: -86.91): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) at 9:34 PM.
6 SW Franklin (Lat: 35.88, Lon: -86.92): Baseball-sized hail (2.75 inches) at 9:36 PM.
Franklin Area:
6 SSW Franklin (Lat: 35.85, Lon: -86.89): 3.00-inch hail on Keystone Drive at 9:38 PM.
3 SW Franklin (Lat: 35.90, Lon: -86.88): Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) at Public Safety Center at 9:38 PM.
3 S Franklin (Lat: 35.89, Lon: -86.85): 2.00-inch hail in Sullivan Farms at 9:40 PM.
2 S Franklin (Lat: 35.90, Lon: -86.85): Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) near Mack Hatcher and Lewisburg Pike at 9:40 PM.
5 S Franklin (Lat: 35.86, Lon: -86.85): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) at 9:40 PM.
7 SSE Franklin (Lat: 35.84, Lon: -86.80): 3.00-inch hail at 9:42 PM.
1 S Franklin (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -86.84): 2.00-inch hail in Maplewood subdivision at 9:42 PM.
1 SSE Franklin (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -86.83): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) at 9:42 PM.
3 SSW Franklin (Lat: 35.89, Lon: -86.86): Half dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) at 9:41 PM.
Impact: The Williamson County area, particularly around Franklin and Spring Hill, experienced some of the largest hail in the state, with stones up to 3.00 inches in diameter. Such large hail can cause severe damage to vehicles, shatter windows, and damage roofs. The high density of reports indicates a prolonged and intense hail event, likely associated with a supercell thunderstorm.
Maury County (Columbia Area):
Time: 9:41 PM–10:02 PM CDT
Locations:
3 SSW Mount Pleasant (Lat: 35.52, Lon: -87.21): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) at 9:41 PM.
2 S Columbia (Lat: 35.59, Lon: -87.05): Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) at S James Campbell Blvd and Brooksmeade at 9:55 PM.
2 WSW Columbia (Lat: 35.62, Lon: -87.08): Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) at Maury County EOC at 9:55 PM.
2 SSE Columbia (Lat: 35.60, Lon: -87.04): Half dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) at 9:56 PM.
1 SE Columbia (Lat: 35.61, Lon: -87.03): Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) at 9:59 PM.
3 ESE Columbia (Lat: 35.60, Lon: -87.01): Half dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) at Maury County EOC at 10:02 PM.
5 E Columbia (Lat: 35.62, Lon: -86.96): 2.00-inch hail on Tom Osborne Road at 10:02 PM.
Impact: Hail up to 2.00 inches in diameter likely caused damage to vehicles and property in Columbia. The multiple reports from emergency management and public sources indicate a significant hail event in this area.
Benton County (Camden Area):
Time: 9:35 PM CDT
Location: 3 S Camden (Lat: 36.02, Lon: -88.11)
Details: Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) accompanied by strong wind gusts, as reported via video.
Impact: The combination of large hail and strong winds likely exacerbated damage, potentially affecting trees, power lines, and structures.
Carroll County (Buena Vista Area):
Time: 9:18 PM CDT
Location: 2 S Buena Vista (Lat: 35.95, Lon: -88.28)
Details: 2.00-inch hail reported, with photos confirming significant hail size.
Impact: Hail of this size can cause considerable damage to vehicles, crops, and buildings.
Rutherford County (Christiana Area):
Time: 10:49 PM CDT
Location: 7 E Eagleville (Lat: 35.74, Lon: -86.53)
Details: Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) reported near Christiana.
Impact: Likely caused damage to vehicles and property in this rural area.
Cannon County (Auburntown):
Time: 11:19 PM CDT
Location: Auburntown (Lat: 35.95, Lon: -86.10)
Details: Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) reported.
Impact: Minor damage to vehicles and property is possible with quarter-sized hail.
De Kalb County (Dowelltown):
Time: 11:07 PM CDT
Location: 2 SE Dowelltown (Lat: 36.00, Lon: -85.91)
Details: Half dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) reported via mPING.
Impact: Moderate damage to vehicles and property possible.
Van Buren County (Spencer Area):
Time: 11:46 PM CDT
Location: 7 E Spencer (Lat: 35.74, Lon: -85.33)
Details: Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) reported.
Impact: Potential for damage to vehicles and structures in this rural area.
White County (Quebeck):
Time: 12:01 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Location: 4 SW Doyle (Lat: 35.81, Lon: -85.56)
Details: Quarter-sized hail (1.00 inch) reported.
Impact: Minor damage possible to vehicles and property.
Cumberland County:
Time: 1:00 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Location: 10 SSW Crossville (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -85.10)
Details: Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) reported on Burgess Road.
Impact: Likely caused damage to vehicles and property in this rural area.
Wind Damage Reports in Tennessee
Damaging winds caused widespread tree and power line damage, power outages, and structural damage across Tennessee. Key wind damage reports include:
Wayne County (Collinwood Area):
Time: 3:30 PM CDT
Location: 5 WSW Collinwood (Lat: 35.14, Lon: -87.82)
Details: Emergency manager reported several large trees down and damage to sheds, with debris blown eastward.
Impact: Suggests strong straight-line winds, potentially exceeding 60 mph, causing property damage and tree fall.
Hardin County (Pickwick Dam Area):
Time: 2:58 PM–3:00 PM CDT
Locations:
5 W Pickwick Dam (Lat: 35.04, Lon: -88.33): Tree down along Highway 142 and Kimberly Ln.
5 WSW Pickwick Dam (Lat: 35.02, Lon: -88.33): Tree down in Michie.
Impact: Localized tree damage, likely from strong thunderstorm winds.
Marshall County (Lewisburg Area):
Time: 6:17 PM CDT
Location: 5 N Lewisburg (Lat: 35.52, Lon: -86.78)
Details: Emergency manager reported damage in Chapel Hill, with a possible tornado (not confirmed in the tornado reports).
Impact: Suggests severe winds or a possible weak tornado, with structural damage reported.
Perry County (Lobelville Area):
Time: 8:25 PM CDT
Location: 5 NNW Lobelville (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -87.82)
Details: Multiple trees down across northern Perry County, including along Red Bank Road.
Impact: Widespread tree damage, likely from strong straight-line winds.
Hickman County (Centerville and Bon Aqua Areas):
Time: 8:50 PM–10:51 PM CDT
Locations:
2 NE Centerville (Lat: 35.81, Lon: -87.43): Trees down at Hickman County High School at 8:50 PM.
7 WSW Bon Aqua (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -87.45): Tree down on a home on Keys Branch Road at 10:45 PM.
5 NNW Centerville (Lat: 35.86, Lon: -87.47): Tree fell on a vehicle along SR 48, causing minor injuries to the driver at 10:51 PM.
Impact: Significant tree and structural damage, with one reported injury, indicating strong winds likely exceeding 60 mph.
Stewart County (Dover Area):
Time: 9:40 PM–9:46 PM CDT
Locations:
2 W Dover (Lat: 36.48, Lon: -87.88): Trees and structure damage west of Dover.
5 W Dover (Lat: 36.48, Lon: -87.94): Trees and power lines down at Highway 79 and Onion Hill.
3 SSE Bumpus Mills (Lat: 36.57, Lon: -87.81): Trees down in the 2000 block of Highway 120 in Big Rock.
Impact: Widespread tree and power line damage, with structural impacts, suggesting strong thunderstorm winds.
Henry County (Springville, Puryear, and Cottage Grove Areas):
Time: 9:09 PM–9:55 PM CDT
Locations:
Cottage Grove (Lat: 36.38, Lon: -88.48): Trees down on Highway 69 N/New Boston Rd at 9:09 PM.
Puryear (Lat: 36.44, Lon: -88.34): Trees and power lines down on Ferguson Rd at 9:17 PM.
Springville (Lat: 36.25, Lon: -88.15): Tree down on a power line at 9:55 PM.
Impact: Widespread tree and power line damage, likely from strong straight-line winds.
Madison County (Bemis Area):
Time: 8:17 PM CDT
Location: 5 W Bemis (Lat: 35.60, Lon: -88.92)
Details: Roof damage to the TBI/TN Highway Patrol building and additional damage at the Kirklands warehouse west of MKL off Smith Lane. A measured wind gust of 59 mph was recorded at KMKL Jackson ASOS at 9:47 PM.
Impact: Significant structural damage and power outages, indicating winds near severe criteria (58 mph or greater).
Weakley County (Martin Area):
Time: 8:45 PM–8:54 PM CDT
Locations:
Martin (Lat: 36.34, Lon: -88.86): Tree down on a house on Lee Street at 8:45 PM.
1 WNW Martin (Lat: 36.34, Lon: -88.87): Significant tree damage impacting multiple houses and downed power poles on the west side of Martin at 8:54 PM.
Impact: Severe wind damage to trees, structures, and power infrastructure, likely from a strong thunderstorm or possible microburst.
Rutherford County (Murfreesboro and Smyrna Areas):
Time: 10:17 PM–10:19 PM CDT
Locations:
6 WNW Murfreesboro (Lat: 35.87, Lon: -86.50): Structural damage in the Blackman area at 10:17 PM.
5 WNW Murfreesboro (Lat: 35.88, Lon: -86.47): Several large trees down across I-24 at MM72 and Blackman Road, with two lanes of I-24 blocked at 10:17 PM.
5 S Smyrna (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -86.50): Multiple structures with light damage and dozens of large trees and power lines down at 10:17 PM.
6 SSE Smyrna (Lat: 35.91, Lon: -86.47): Downed power line at Florence Road and Valor Drive at 10:19 PM.
Impact: Widespread tree, power line, and structural damage, likely from a strong thunderstorm or possible tornado (though not confirmed in the tornado reports).
Davidson County (Joelton Area):
Time: 10:50 PM CDT
Location: 8 SW Ridgetop (Lat: 36.31, Lon: -86.87)
Details: Tree down on a home in the Joelton area.
Impact: Localized structural damage, likely from strong winds.
Robertson County (Adams and Cross Plains Areas):
Time: 9:15 PM–10:55 PM CDT
Locations:
Adams (Lat: 36.58, Lon: -87.06): 643 customers without power at 9:15 PM.
Cross Plains (Lat: 36.54, Lon: -86.68): Large tree down at Highway 25 east at Cedar Grove, blocking the road at 10:55 PM.
Impact: Significant power outages and tree damage, indicating strong winds.
Sumner County (Goodlettsville Area):
Time: 10:56 PM CDT
Location: 1 ESE Goodlettsville (Lat: 36.33, Lon: -86.69)
Details: Tree down on Ellen Drive.
Impact: Localized tree damage, likely from strong winds.
Williamson County (Spring Hill Area):
Time: 11:15 PM CDT
Location: 7 NW Spring Hill (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -87.01)
Details: Tree blocked Johnson Hollow Road south of Interstate 840 near Mobley’s Cut Road.
Impact: Road blockage due to fallen trees, indicating strong winds.
Sequatchie County (Dunlap Area):
Time: 10:20 PM–12:39 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
2 SSW Dunlap (Lat: 35.35, Lon: -85.40): Trees down at 10:20 PM.
3 NNE Dunlap (Lat: 35.41, Lon: -85.37): Trees down and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) at 12:39 AM.
Impact: Tree damage and minor hail impacts, likely from strong winds.
Cumberland County (Crossville Area):
Time: 12:40 AM–1:31 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
1 NNW Crossville (Lat: 35.96, Lon: -85.04): Multiple trees down across western and central Putnam County (corrected to Cumberland County) at 12:40 AM.
9 S Crossville (Lat: 35.82, Lon: -85.01): Structure damage on Rhea Road at 1:05 AM.
10 S Crossville (Lat: 35.81, Lon: -85.02): Damage at Vandever Road and Highway 127 at 1:31 AM.
Impact: Widespread tree and structural damage, indicating strong winds, possibly from a severe thunderstorm or squall line.
Scott County (Oneida Area):
Time: 1:40 AM–1:45 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
1 WSW Oneida (Lat: 36.50, Lon: -84.53): Trees down at 1:40 AM.
Oneida (Lat: 36.50, Lon: -84.51): Several trees down at 1:45 AM.
Impact: Tree damage, likely from strong thunderstorm winds.
McMinn County (Athens and Niota Areas):
Time: 11:44 PM–1:50 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
1 WNW Athens (Lat: 35.46, Lon: -84.62): Several trees down at 11:44 PM.
3 NNW Niota (Lat: 35.55, Lon: -84.57): Several trees down at 1:50 AM.
Impact: Widespread tree damage, indicating strong winds.
Roane County (Oliver Springs and Oak Ridge Areas):
Time: 7:10 PM–1:51 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
1 NNW Oliver Springs (Lat: 36.05, Lon: -84.34): Power lines down at Lookout Ave at 7:10 PM.
3 W Oak Ridge (Lat: 35.96, Lon: -84.35): Trees down at 1:51 AM.
Impact: Tree and power line damage, indicating strong winds.
Knox County (Farragut and Knoxville Areas):
Time: 9:10 PM–2:15 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
2 NE Farragut (Lat: 35.90, Lon: -84.15): Measured 72 mph wind gust at 9:10 PM.
2 W Knoxville (Lat: 35.97, Lon: -83.98): Trees down county-wide at 2:15 AM.
Impact: The 72 mph gust in Farragut exceeds severe criteria (58 mph), indicating significant potential for damage. Widespread tree damage in Knoxville suggests a strong storm system.
Greene County (Greeneville and Mosheim Areas):
Time: 9:05 PM–9:13 PM CDT
Locations:
1 E Mohawk (Lat: 36.20, Lon: -83.04): Trees on power lines at 9:05 PM.
1 E Mosheim (Lat: 36.19, Lon: -82.94): Trees down on Blue Springs Pkwy at 9:08 PM.
Greeneville (Lat: 36.17, Lon: -82.82): Numerous trees and power lines down across the city at 9:10 PM.
2 NE Greeneville (Lat: 36.19, Lon: -82.79): Tractor-trailer knocked over on Snapps Ferry Rd at 9:13 PM.
Impact: Extensive tree and power line damage, with significant disruption from the tractor-trailer incident, indicating very strong winds.
Hamblen County (Morristown Area):
Time: 8:27 PM CDT
Location: 2 SSE Morristown (Lat: 36.19, Lon: -83.29)
Details: Numerous trees down on HWY 160 near Pinebrook.
Impact: Widespread tree damage, likely from strong winds.
Blount County (Maryville Area):
Time: 2:27 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Location: 1 NW Maryville (Lat: 35.76, Lon: -83.98)
Details: Trees down at Maryville Housing Authority.
Impact: Localized tree damage, likely from strong winds.
Sevier County (Kodak and Mcmahan Areas):
Time: 2:42 AM–2:50 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Locations:
3 NNW Kodak (Lat: 36.02, Lon: -83.64): Several trees down at 2:42 AM.
4 SSE Mcmahan (Lat: 35.87, Lon: -83.66): Large tree down blocking a lane on Highway 441 near Zion Hill at 2:50 AM.
Impact: Tree damage and road blockages, indicating strong winds.
Claiborne County (Arthur Area):
Time: 2:40 AM CDT (May 21, 2025)
Location: 1 W Arthur (Lat: 36.55, Lon: -83.70)
Details: A few trees down.
Impact: Minor tree damage, likely from strong winds.
Regional Context and Synoptic Overview
The severe weather in Tennessee was part of a larger storm system affecting the Southeast and Midwest, with numerous tornado, hail, and wind reports across Alabama, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, and other states. The storm system likely involved a strong low-pressure system and associated cold front, fostering conditions for supercell thunderstorms and squall lines. The presence of multiple supercells is inferred from the large hail (up to 3.00 inches) and tornado reports, particularly in Middle Tennessee. The high wind gusts (e.g., 72 mph in Farragut) and widespread tree damage suggest a combination of straight-line winds and possible microbursts.
Impacts and Consequences
Property Damage: The storms caused significant damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Large hail (up to 3.00 inches) in Williamson County and tornadoes in Montgomery and Lewis counties likely resulted in costly repairs to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Downed trees and power lines caused additional property damage and road blockages.
Power Outages: Significant power outages were reported, including 643 customers in Adams (Robertson County) and widespread outages in Greeneville (Greene County) and other areas due to downed power lines and poles.
Injuries: One minor injury was reported in Hickman County when a tree fell on a vehicle. No fatalities were noted in the provided data.
Transportation Disruptions: Downed trees blocked major roads, including I-24 in Rutherford County and Highway 25 in Cross Plains, causing traffic disruptions. The tractor-trailer incident in Greeneville further highlights transportation impacts.
Economic Impact: The combination of structural damage, power outages, and transportation disruptions likely resulted in significant economic costs, particularly in heavily impacted areas like Williamson and Rutherford counties.
Conclusion
The severe weather event on May 20, 2025, brought significant impacts to Tennessee, with two confirmed tornadoes, large hail up to 3.00 inches, and damaging winds up to 72 mph. Middle Tennessee, particularly Williamson, Hickman, Maury, Montgomery, and Rutherford counties, experienced the most intense impacts, including structural damage, widespread tree and power line damage, and power outages. East Tennessee also saw significant wind damage, particularly in Greene, Knox, and Cumberland counties. The storms were part of a broader regional outbreak, highlighting the need for robust severe weather preparedness in the region. Further analysis by the NWS, including damage surveys, will provide additional details on tornado ratings and the full scope of impacts.
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