Obion County, Tenn.–Obion County was hit hard by Sunday’s storms, with two people rescued from a demolished barn, structures damaged by falling trees, numerous fallen power poles and power outages. No serious injuries were reported.
County EMA Director Danny Jowers said the damage was predominantly in the southeast end of the county.
Jowers said, “With very little warning a storm struck with preliminary winds of over 70 mph. I know everyone wants to know tornado or not, with those type winds it really doesn’t matter. Trees of all sizes and age were either blown over or snapped like twigs. Structures and houses damaged by falling trees and two people rescued from a demolished barn.”
A large part of that area was without electricity due to powers poles all along Hwy 45 blown down or snapped by trees falling, he said.
Jowers thanked a long list of first responders for their quick action Sunday. “I first want to thank Gibson Electric line crews who within a few hours replaced the poles and at the time of this post everyone has electricity again. What a job they did! I can’t say enough about their effort. I want to thank State and County emergency services which includes law enforcement (Kenton PD, Obion County Sheriff’s Office THP), rescue squad (Obion County), Fire Departments from Kenton, Rives and Gibson County, TDOT and Obion County Highway Dept.”
Jowers said, “The good news no fatalities or serious injuries. But I was also uplifted and so happy to see the amount of people who just showed up at houses to help and assist in clearing debris and offering a word of encouragement. In these times what a breath of fresh air. If I forgot anyone I am sorry, so THANK you y’all. There is hope! We saw the best of who we really are today!”
Photo: Dameon Rinks was headed to a job and took several photos of the storm as he drove through Kenton.