DEER LODGE, TN – A violent storm suspected to be a tornado devastated Morgan County on Thursday night, resulting in the loss of a mother and daughter and injuring three others. The storm left a trail of destruction across parts of the north-central Tennessee county.
Morgan County’s Emergency Management shared on social media that the deadly weather struck the Deer Lodge and Sunbright communities. “We regret to confirm that two fatalities have occurred as a result of this event, a mother and daughter from the same household,” the agency reported in its update.
The county sheriff, Wayne Potter, also used social media to alert residents about the storm’s impact, which included significant damage to the Deer Lodge area and along Highway 27 in Sunbright.
Aaron Evans, who serves as the public information officer for Morgan County Management, described the widespread destruction in an interview. He noted that the storm impacted a range of properties, from homes to businesses and other structures throughout the county.
While authorities are cautiously optimistic that further fatalities will not arise, they remain vigilant as they continue to assess the impact. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has mobilized nearly 30 troopers to support local efforts, ensuring ongoing safety for residents and addressing the devastation.
In a morning update, Capt. Stacey Heatherly of the Tennessee Highway Patrol highlighted ongoing efforts, mentioning the possible deployment of an aviation unit to survey the affected areas more comprehensively.
The storm’s impact prompted the Morgan County School District to cancel classes on Friday, acknowledging the significant damage across the region. Meanwhile, a team from the National Weather Service (NWS) was dispatched to determine if a tornado had truly formed.
Sheriff Potter urged residents to steer clear of the Deer Lodge and Highway 27 areas, warning of potential dangers from downed power lines, falling trees, and unstable structures. Authorities stressed that securing the region and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants is a top priority.
The ongoing investigation aims to provide a clearer understanding of the storm’s intensity and path, as officials continue to monitor developments and work towards recovery.
