Anthony Elmer Mendez: 2-year-old toddler identified among those killed in catastrophic Tennessee tornado

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:  Six people have been reportedly killed after intense tornadoes tore through Tennessee on Saturday.  Authorities have identified three individuals, including a toddler aged 2 years old, who tragically lost their lives in the storms.

Joseph Dalton, a 37-year-old man, was in his mobile home on Nesbitt Lane in Madison when the storm caused it to overturn onto the residence of Floridema Gabriel Perez, 31, as per the Metro Nashville Police Department. Both adults succumbed to the incident.

Perez's 2-year-old son, Anthony Elmer Mendez, was another unfortunate casualty.

The storms also reportedly inflicted widespread damage as described by local emergency services, leaving tens of thousands of inhabitants without electricity, per The Guardian. 

'This is a sad day for our community'

However, two children reportedly managed to survive the ordeal. Perez's son, aged 7, and Dalton's son, aged 10, were in their respective homes during the storm.

They were subsequently transported to Vanderbilt Pediatrics, suffering from injuries that were not life-threatening.

"At this time we can confirm that three people are deceased, two adults and one child as a result of the tornado that touched down this afternoon. Additionally, 23 people have been treated at the hospital," the Montgomery County in Tennessee stated.

County mayor Wes Golden added, "This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes."

'Tornado emergency' first time in more than 10 years

The intense weather conditions resulted in significant damage to buildings and residences, toppled trees, and broken power lines throughout middle Tennessee.

For the first time in more than ten years, the National Weather Service declared a "tornado emergency" for certain areas of the region as the storms raged on, as reported by meteorologist Sam Shamburger, per The Tennessean. 

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management has reported an additional three fatalities in the suburbs of Nashville.

An outage tracking website indicated that over 80,000 Tennessee residents were without electricity as of Saturday evening.

The Sheriff’s Office of Montgomery County reported damage to numerous homes in Clarksville.

The rural town of Dresden also experienced the impact of the storms, with several trees, power lines, and houses affected, according to emergency services.

Montgomery County, which includes Clarksville, boasts a population exceeding 220,000. Authorities have reportedly advised residents to avoid using the roads while emergency services are addressing the situation in various regions.

In its statement on Facebook, Montgomery County announced that the search and rescue operations for this disaster are still ongoing.

The statement further added that a local school and church have been established as shelters to aid those who have been displaced or require assistance.

Prayers pour in for the victims' families

People online have been sending prayers and expressing their concerns for the families and victims affected by the devastating tornado in Tennessee.

One user said, "Prayers for all those affected and those working the front lines."

"Please keep us updated on volunteer opportunities, as well as approved locations for donation drop off!" noted another. 

Another person shared, "So devastating and heartbreaking. Sending prayers from Missouri.."

"This is so heartbreaking, prayers for all the family," wrote another. 

"I have a 2yr old. I could not imagine. My heart breaks for this family. Sending many prayers," commented another.