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Weather Service: 2020 Was A ‘Devastating Year’ For Tennessee Tornadoes

Now that it’s over, Tennessee can officially say that 2020 was an abnormally active and “devastating year” for tornadoes.

The National Weather Service says 35 tornadoes struck the state, killing 27 people, injuring hundreds more and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Middle Tennessee saw the most activity, and 24 counties in all saw touchdowns.

— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) December 31, 2020

The strongest tornado was level EF-4 in Putnam County in March. That same storm created the EF-3 that tore through Davidson, Wilson and Smith counties.

In April, a storm of similar strength but shorter duration hit the Chattanooga area.

Copyright 2021 WPLN News

Tony Gonzalez, a reporter in Nashville since July 2011, covers city news, features inspiring people, and seeks out offbeat stories. He’s also an award-winning juggler and hot chicken advocate who lives in East Nashville with his wife, a professional bookbinder. During his time at The Tennessean newspaper, his investigative reporting and feature stories were honored in the state and nationally. Gonzalez grew up near Chicago and came to Nashville after three years reporting and editing at Virginia's smallest daily newspaper, The News Virginian.