James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Hi Folks, well first off...I'm OK. My home is about 14 miles south of the tornado path that ravaged the city in the early morning hours of March 2nd. Over the past few days, I've seen some horrendous images by people posting photos from dead animals and other organic matter strewn through trees to people embarrassing because they survived. As you all know, there is only minutes to take cover when a tornado approaches. This one came in the middle of the night between mid-night and 1am. I'm amazed the death toll wasn't higher cause most people were asleep. The storm ranged from EF2 to EF4 in strength as it traveled from west to east. It jumped up and down as it traveled some 80 miles ending near Cookeville Tennessee as a F4 tornado that flattened portions of that city. It's going to take a long time to rebuild there were so many structures damaged, folks here are determined to do so. A week after the tornado, my wife and I drove through some of the stricken areas. The heaviest hit areas are strictly closed to the public. In some places they are still clearing debris and rebuilding powerlines. I took pictures as best I could in the areas we were allowed to travel by car. These images by no means show the true extent of the damage. It's pretty bad in some places. Still, I wanted to share a few that I was able to take in areas they allowed us access.

Remains of the Basement night club. DSC03606-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Staging area for Electricans rebuilding power infrastructure.. DSC03612-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Damaged strip mall. DSC03614-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Caved in roof, caved in walls. DSC03619-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Roof and Wall damage. Roof is totally gone. DSC03621-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Building with substantial roof damage. DSC03623-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

This AutoZone parts store is no more. DSC03682-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

Apartments with missing roofs and shattered windows. DSC03696-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

This auto parts store had roof caved in. DSC03710-01 by James Frazier, on Flickr

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Very tragic and heartbreaking scenes James. Glad to you that you were spared any damage or injury.

Don

carlysue Loc: Columbus

You show details of the devastation, James. Thank you for posting this. So glad you and your wife are doing ok.

arperry Loc: Miami/Florida

Such devastation, well documented. I am so glad that you and your family escaped the wrath of this tornado. Having endured hurricane Andrew and every one of them since, in this Miami area, I can empathetic.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Good to hear from you James, and I am glad that you are OK. Such a tragedy for so many people.

Mike

plessner Loc: North Dakota

terrible devastation--glad you are OK

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thanks folks, much obliged for the comments regarding our OK. These are pretty mild photos as far as damage goes. I've seen images of houses flattened, by those who posted with cell phones living in those areas. Some will bring you to tears. I had to look away on some images. The police have tight security set up. Most roads are blocked. No one is allow into areas if they don't belong. Of course a few news people have been let in. In my younger days, I would have jumped the barricades and walked talking pictures. But too old to do that these days. Thanks again.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Very nicely documented. It's a nervous time of year for all of us.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

This was a devastating event and seeing your first hand views of some of it is sobering. It amazes me how people can rise up after something like this and be determined to rebuild. The human spirit is amazing!

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

Just to echo some of your friends, I am thankful that you and your family survived natures wrath. Nine months ago we had 17 touch down in one night and let me tell you, in will be years before things begin to look normal.
I am glad you put your camera and skills to work to share the depth of this tragedy with the rest of the world.
Take care my friend and be well!

Phil

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Very well dipicted James. Glad you're alright

angler Loc: StHelens England

Sad to see but great shots of the devastation.Hope there weren't any bad injuries.

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

I originally set out to photograph some of the damage but as I was in a residential area after taking just a few pictures I couldn't bear to see the helplessness of the victims any more so my camera was put away and I started jumping in to help clear debris.
I guess I failed as a photographer this time but I'm okay with that.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Glad to hear you are ok!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

The power of those things is phenomenal! We’re all certainly happy that you are ok and feeling for those less fortunate.