Tornado kills 2, destroys 40 buildings in Nashville

A powerful tornado ripped through Nashville in the US state of Tennessee early Tuesday, killing two people and causing widespread damage.

According to the police department, it left around 40 buildings around Nashville destroyed and several people injured. 

Many residents took to Twitter to report widespread power outages.  

Emergencies shelters have been opened at several locations and schools closed in most parts.

There were no longer tornado warnings in middle Tennessee, but weather bureau warned storms "could quickly become severe".