Thanks to the Nashville NWS for these great weather history tidbits:
On January 24, 1963…
Temperature at Kingston Springs drops to -30 degrees, which is the lowest temperature ever recorded in Middle Tennessee, and comes within 2 degrees of tying the all-time record low for Tennessee (Mountain City, 12/30/1917). Other record lows include Clarksville (-17), Dover (-24), Lafayette (-20), Linden (-18), Portland (-19), Springfield (-18), and Waverly (-26). In fact, Waverly sees its temperature drop by 80 degrees with the passage of the strongest cold front in mid state history. Five inches of snow accompany the dramatic change in temperature. The Duck River freezes solid from bank to bank for the first time since 1898. Harbors along the Tennessee River also freeze. It is considered the worst winter weather since the 1951 ice storm.
On January 24, 1997…
A rare winter severe weather outbreak results in 13 tornadoes across Middle Tennessee, injuring 31 persons and causing damage in excess of $9 million. Amazingly, there are no fatalities. Barfield, near Murfreesboro, is hit by an F4. This is the 4th largest tornado outbreak in mid state history.
On January 24, 1943…
Temperature at Clarksville climbs to 82 degrees. It’s the warmest temperature ever observed there in January.
On January 24, 1972…
Nashville’s 78 degrees sets a record high for January.
Very scary,sure hope this year we dodge the severe weather twisters.
I was living on lawrence rd in the Barfield Crescent area and I saw that tornado form almost directly over my duplex. That was truly amazing how fast the clouds spinning as it was on its way down. I was stupid and stayed outside and watched the tornadoe go through Southridge subdivision and debris and half a roof go around the side of it. The sun was about to set and the light was illuminating it a bluish green. Lightning was also striking all around it. It was cool to see one but I was worried people would get hurt. After it being about 70 that day I think there was some flurries later on that night. Weather can change very fast around here.
Ive heard stories about the Duck River freezing, I have some pics if I can find them ill try to post them. A couple here in Hickman County got married on the Duck at that time, people was driving their cars across it also.