Fierce tornadoes hit Nashville, death toll now 22

Two tornadoes hit central Tennessee early Tuesday morning, leaving at least 22 dead, multiple injured, and thousands more without power.

One of the storms was designated a “supercell,” and described as “extremely dangerous” by the National Weather Service.

The tornadoes wreaked havoc for several communities, including downtown Tennessee -- toppling power lines, destroying homes and strewing signs and awnings across roads and streets.

All public schools in the affected areas have been closed.

“It is heartbreaking," Gov. Bill Lee said. "We have had loss of life across the state."

The natural disasters struck on election day for Tennessee, which is one of the 14 states that vote on Super Tuesday.

“We’re going to make it possible for as many folks as we can to vote,” Lee also said. Poll locations have delayed their opening by an hour and generators have been dispatched to stations without power.

President Trump relayed a message of support on Twitter

Governor Lee has declared a state of emergency.