'Unbelievable damage' in Donelson after tornado passes through Middle Tennessee

DONELSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Donelson area of Davidson County was extensively damaged after a tornado passed through Middle Tennessee.

Photos show Donelson Christian Elementary destroyed.

The Stanford Estates and Genry Drive area were unbelievably damaged with homes gone. Downey Meade Drive was impassable on Tuesday morning. Neighbors reported smelling gas and say it's the worst damage they've ever seen.

The Donelson Fellowship set up a disaster relief center inside their church to provide food, water, and other supplies to victims on Wednesday with the intention to keep it open as long as people need help.

“This is a massive need in a city that we love so much, and we must show up in the need, you know? We gotta show up in any way that we can,” Tomm Swindol, pastor at The Donelson Fellowship, said. “Any food, water, provisions that come in, we put them on tables, and then they’re immediately taken off tables to be taken to someone.”

The church is also helping coordinate volunteer efforts around the Donelson and Nashville area.

“We’re gonna be about this until it’s done. Whatever that means, however long that takes,” Swindol said. “We’re just gonna continue helping families in this community because they matter to God.”