DEER LODGE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – At least two people were killed when a possible tornado touched down in eastern Tennessee during severe storms that ripped through the area.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said a mother and daughter from the same household were killed in the Deer Lodge and Sunbright areas of Morgan County during a “possible tornado weather event” Thursday night.
They also reported three others were injured. Aaron Evans with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reported their injuries appear non-life threatening.
The possible tornado touched down just before 8:30 p.m. and damaged more than a dozen homes, according to a representative from the sheriff’s office.
Damage was also reported along a main highway in the area, Highway 27, Morgan County Sheriff Wayne Potter reported. He asked that people avoid the area until further notice.
At least 30 Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to Morgan County to assist with response efforts.
“Right now we have the strike team activated to make sure we assist the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office,” Captain Stacey Heatherly with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said. “That is our mission, to make sure we can help.”
Local, county, and state first responders, along with emergency personnel from multiple agencies and counties, are actively in search and rescue operations.
“We urge everyone to avoid the affected area until the emergency is over. Please be in prayer for this community” Evans said.
An Emergency Operations Center 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.
The Morgan County School District reported that their schools would be closed Friday due to weather damage in the county.
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