(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Deer Lodge, TN (WOKI) The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is reporting storm damage in Deer Lodge after a major system moved through the area.
WVLT News spoke with a representative for the office, who said several houses were damaged or destroyed. The office also said emergency crews are working to get to those who need help.
Aaron Evans with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said that 8:27 p.m. Thursday a possible tornado touched down in the Deer Lodge and Sunbright areas of Morgan County, resulting in severe property damage, injuries, and loss of life.
In a later update posted to social media, Morgan County Sheriff Wayne Potter said crews had responded to damage along Highway 27. He asked that people avoid the area until further notice.
The sheriff also confirmed that people had been injured in the storm.
With the damage and injuries in mind, Captain Stacey Heatherly with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the agency had dispatched 30 troopers to Morgan County to help.
“Right now we have the strike team activated to make sure we assist the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office,” she said. “That is our mission, to make sure we can help.”
Aaron Evans with MCSO said local, county, and state first responders, along with emergency personnel from multiple agencies and counties, are actively in search and rescue operations.
A representative for the City of Oak Ridge told WVLT News the city’s fire department was sending resources and help into Morgan County as well.
An Emergency Operations Center has was established, with additional staging and safety locations, including Wartburg Central High School.
Evans said that Power, phone, and internet communications have been impacted in Morgan County.
Over 100 personnel are currently deployed to assist those in need. “We urge everyone to avoid the affected area until the emergency is over. Please be in prayer for this community” Evans said.
Evans confirmed that a mother and daughter that lived in the same home were killed as a result of the storms Thursday night.
Three people were also inured as a result of the Morgan County storms, Evans said all the injuries appear to be non life threating.
The Morgan County Emergency Management Agency is working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to respond to this event and provide support to those affected. – Aaron Evans Morgan County Sheriff’s Office
This is a developing story.
