Tornadoes Hit Nashville Tuesday, 24 Dead, Basement East Nightclub Destroyed [UPDATED]

UPDATED WEDNESDAY 7:35 AM: Tornados hit Nashville and central Tennesse in the early morning hours Tuesday leaving widespread damage and 24 dead.

At least 38 were still unaccounted for in nearby Putnam country as of Wednesday morning.

Two Nashville neighborhoods favored by the music community, Germantown and the 5 Points section of East Nashville, where two of the deaths were confirmed, were among the hardest hit.

The two were identified as Michael Dolfini, 36 and Albree Sexton, 33. They had just left the Attaboy lounge, where Dolfini worked, the Metro Nashville Police Department have confirmed. 

The popular Basement East nightclub was destroyed, with its iconic “I Believe In Nashville” sign the only partial wall left standing.

“All at Basement East are safe, our staff made it to the basement, said a post on the venue’s official Facebook page. “The important part. We love them so much. Sending best to all affected.”

In 2010, the venue rebuilt after it and much of Nashville was severely damaged by flooding.

The destruction was widespread and severely damaged more than 40 buildings. About 50,000 were still without power on Tuesday.

Rough Landing For Country Atar Dierks Bentley

Country star Dierks Bentley posted that he just missed the tornado as he flew in on Monday night.

top photo via East Nashville Facebook Group