Officials in Tennessee say at least 19 people are dead after two tornadoes tore through the central part of the state early Tuesday morning.
The Associated Press reports the storms destroyed dozens of buildings in and around Nashville.
Authorities in affected areas are asking people to stay home while they assess the damage and search for people who might be trapped under debris. Nashville Electric tweeted that more than 44,000 customers didn't have power.
The tornadoes prompted the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to declare a level three state of emergency.
Several school districts in the area announced their schools will be closed Tuesday. Election officials in impacted areas have set up some alternative polling stations for Tennessee's primary election Tuesday. That's because some of the original polling sites are either without power or were damaged.
Additional reporting from the Associated Press.
