NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Reports are coming in through much of Middle Tennessee after severe storms and possible tornadoes ripped through the area.

A tornado tore through downtown Nashville in the early morning hours Tuesday. Two people in Nashville were the first fatalities confirmed from the storm, but more are being reported as first responders continue to work through the debris.

Follow Nashville storm coverage here.

Many in Middle Tennessee are assessing the damage from storms that covered much of the area overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. Reports from Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Wilson County, and into Cookeville all contain massive storm damage and the possibility of tornado activity.

A tornado will not be confirmed until officials are able to properly assess the area Tuesday morning.

The hardest hit areas in Nashville are East Nashville and Germantown.

https://twitter.com/IamShaneMorris/status/1234751610556944385

WKRN reports longtime businesses such as Basement East in East Nashville and Jack Brown’s in Germantown are completely destroyed.

Centennial Blvd and Briley Parkway in West Nashville have also suffered extensive damage.

Nashville Public Schools are closed. Officials say more than 42,000 are without power.

The storms and damage did not stop there. It continued moving east, making its way to Putnam County.

Three fatalities in Putnam County and one in Benton County have been reported.

Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton and county officials will be assessing damage and assisting residents Tuesday.

TEMA has declared a level three state of emergency.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further details.