JACKSON, Tenn. – The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in north Jackson near I-40 at approximately 3:29 p.m. on May 20, 2025. The storm, which caused damage to the Kirkland Distribution Center, marked the latest in a series of severe weather events across West Tennessee.
Damage and Recovery
According to Madison County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moore, the tornado caused only minimal damage, with a portion of the roof at the Kirkland Distribution Center being partially blown off, along with some interior damage. No injuries were reported in connection with the tornado.
The storm also caused some minor utility outages in the area, but Moore confirmed that these were quickly restored, and the situation was handled swiftly by local emergency services.
Tornado Classification
Survey results from the National Weather Service indicated that the tornado was classified as an EF0, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with winds reaching 75 miles per hour. The tornado warning for the area was in effect until 4 p.m.
Severe Weather Across the State
Much of West Tennessee had been placed under a Level 3 Enhanced Risk advisory, with a 90% chance of rain on May 20. The Jackson tornado was part of a larger weather system that impacted the state, producing large hail, severe thunderstorms, and tornado warnings, along with heavy rain across the region.
The National Weather Service had issued tornado advisories for several counties, including Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley.
In addition to the Jackson tornado, a radar-detected tornado was observed in Montgomery County, south of the Clarksville Regional Airport. The National Weather Service plans to survey this area in the coming days to assess the damage and confirm the severity of the storm.
Ongoing Monitoring
Local and state authorities continue to monitor the situation as severe weather remains a concern across the state. Emergency management teams are keeping residents informed through weather alerts, and recovery efforts are underway in affected areas.
Source Attribution:
- Madison County Emergency Management Agency
- National Weather Service
- Local Weather Reports